A statewide approach for sustaining collaborative partnerships to address fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)

FASD affects many individuals in our States, most of whom are unrecognized, undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Often, they have co-occurring mental health disorders that require modified interventions due to the FASD. If the co-occurring FASD is not recognized, typical treatment will not be effective and these individuals will often be labeled as being non-compliant, uncooperative, and unmotivated. Mississippi has recognized the importance of addressing FASD for those children and youth who are involved in the mental health system. Key State-level personnel have taken on this challenge and have effected a significant difference in the lives of youth and their families. This session examines Mississippi's collaborative State-wide efforts to address FASD and to sustain these efforts. Mississippi's Department of Mental Health has developed community-based MAP (Make a Plan) Teams as part of a system to address mental health issues for youth and their families. Mississippi has been awarded grant and subcontract opportunities to develop an approach to FASD and has sustained their efforts beyond those funding streams. The role of Mississippi's MAP teams and the development of sustainability through legislation and regulation are examined. Methods that Mississippi has used to integrate FASD efforts into their existing statewide structure of MAP teams, through work with the SAMHSA FASD Center for Excellence are discussed. The use of training and technical assistance to build community involvement in and capacity to address FASD is highlighted and the impact of this approach on improving the quality of life for families is discussed.