Inter-sectoral collaboration among Ontario ministries supports the delivery of FASD Coordination Services within a well-coordinated system, enabling families/support networks to access appropriate supports when they need them. Key partners include MCCSS, Ministry of Health, and Ontario District School Boards.

Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS)

MCCSS oversees the development and implementation of policies and programs related to FASD Coordination Services and seeks to ensure services are delivered in a consistent and effective manner across the province. Responsibilities of MCCSS include:

  • Developing and maintaining policies and guidelines for FASD Coordination Services;
  • Providing funding to Coordinating Agencies for the delivery of FASD Coordination Services;
  • Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of FASD Coordination Services;
  • Promoting best practices and evidence-based approaches related to FASD Coordination Services;
  • Supporting collaboration between Children’s Treatment Centres, Children’s Aid Societies, Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies, and Indigenous FASD-Child Nutrition Program service delivery partners to coordinate services for children/youth and their family/support network, when required;
  • Supporting child welfare agencies to refer children/youth to FASD Coordination Services and to assist families/support networks in obtaining indicators of prenatal alcohol exposure when seeking an FASD diagnosis for their child/youth; and
  • Supporting smooth transitions for children/youth and their families/support networks by facilitating collaborations with adult developmental services and other local cross-sector partners, when possible.

Ministry of Health (MOH)

MOH collaborates with MCCSS to promote the health and well-being of children/youth who are or may be living with FASD and their family/support network. Responsibilities include:

  • Supporting the availability and funding of health services, including diagnostic and mental health supports;
  • Facilitating the integration of health services with broader supports and programs delivered through MCCSS-funded services;
  • Supporting Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) providers to refer children/youth to FASD Coordination Services and FASD diagnostic clinics, where available; and
  • Encouraging collaboration between CYMH agencies and FASD Coordinators to support coordinated service delivery for children/youth and their family/support network, when appropriate.

Ontario District School Boards

School boards can play a critical role in the early identification and support of the learning needs of students who are or may be living with FASD. Responsibilities include:

  • Recognizing educators as key observers in identifying developmental and behavioural concerns;
  • Encouraging collaboration between FASD Coordinators and school staff, including special education teams, to inform education planning;
  • Developing and implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and facilitating smooth transitions across school levels;
  • Improving awareness of FASD within the education system through knowledge mobilization, training initiatives, and dissemination of relevant resources; and
  • Supporting referrals of children/youth to FASD Coordination Services, as appropriate.

Collective partnership goals

All partner sectors are encouraged to:

  • Participate in local planning tables to strengthen system integration;
  • Aim to align practices to implement strengths-based, culturally safer, family-centred, FASD-informed, and trauma-informed approaches;
  • Promote timely referrals and warm hand-offs between sectors, ensuring appropriate consent is received;
  • Contribute to shared capacity-building initiatives (e.g., training, webinars, and resource development); and
  • Collaborate in monitoring outcomes and improving service pathways.