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Mentorship in a Rural Setting. Presented by: Bev Towe Mentor Lakeland Centre for FASD. Parent Child Assistance Program. Began in Seattle, Washington in 1991 Initially a research project Engaged the “highest” risk women for a three year intensive support program
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Mentorship in a Rural Setting Presented by: Bev Towe Mentor Lakeland Centre for FASD
Parent Child Assistance Program • Began in Seattle, Washington in 1991 • Initially a research project • Engaged the “highest” risk women for a three year intensive support program • Now reach 450 families in 6 sites
PCAP Eligibility • Pregnant or up to 6 months post-partum • Abused substances during pregnancy • Estranged from community service providers
PCAP Theory • Caseloads of 15 • Relational Model • Stages of change/goal setting • Harm reduction Theory
Intervention Process • Dependent Relationship • Interdependent • independent
LCFASD/PCAP History • Began 1 PCAP modeled program in 1 community in 2001, with 1 mentor • Now in 25 small towns, 1 city, 1 Military base, 7 First Nations Communities, and 4 Métis Settlements • 5 Mentors and 1 Mentor Supervisor
PCAP -Rural Model • Eligibility is similar – no one is refused service (including underage) • Previous birth of alcohol exposed child • Longer post partum period for enrolment • Caseloads of 15
LCFASD/PCAP Theory • Smaller caseloads • No wait lists
Rural Challenges • Safety – working in isolation • Travel – distance, cost, time management • Transient clients - “looking for vs. stalking” • Maintaining contact • Family Groups • Attitudes of Service Providers/Agencies
Rural Challenges • Adequate Medical Care • High Risk Pregnancies • Housing • Addictions Treatment Options • Concurrent Disorders • Perceived Duplication of Services • Small town/big talk
What’s Working • Excellent Relationships with clients • Mentors are well known to one another • Better relationships are being fostered with other service providers • Smaller Caseloads – better rapport
What’s working • Small town/big talk – easier to “keep track” • Client’s always know how to find us • Clients will “refer” their friends and do tell friends about us • Mentors know what services are available • Mentors know “who to avoid”
In Conclusion • The PCAP Model does work in rural communities with adaptations to each particular community. • Upcoming research by the Canada Northwest FASD Research Network will provide a Canadian context for the PCAP Model.