The main goals of FASD-CAN's LANSAS network are:
• to provide social workers and support workers with ongoing knowledge about FASD best practice which is specifically relevant to their mahi via quarterly online webinars
• to provide an opportunity to learn from each other
• to connect and network in order to share knowledge and experience.
Research from an University of Auckland survey as well as feedback from our membership has shown a strong need to provide learning opportunities and support to Aotearoa’s social sector professionals who are working with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) clients.
The Ministry of Health has conservatively estimated that between 3-5% of the population each year is born with FASD in Aotearoa. This makes FASD the most common neurodisability in the world – more common than autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy combined.
To learn more about the enormously important role that social workers and support workers play in supporting those with FASD and those who support them, watch the videos below.
• ‘Social Work Perspectives on FASD’ – a video by NZ presenters, Professor Anita Gibbs, Dr Joanna Chu and Karleen Dove.
• 'The role of Social Workers in supporting childen and families towards and beyond an FASD diagnosis' from the UK's FASD Hub.
• For further valuable resources, see the professionals page on our website.
PLEASE NOTE: For caregivers and whānau you may be supporting, FASD-CAN has both an online and kanohi ki te kanohi / face to face support groups around the motu here and lots more information for them here.
Our webinars will be beneficial for professionals:
We would love it if you would consider becoming a member of FASD-CAN – it's free, there's no requirement on your part and you will receive a copy of our monthly newsletter, keeping you up to date with FASD developments in Aotearoa. And it will support us by increasing our numbers and our opportunities for advocacy.
FASD-CAN is privileged to have the knowledge and support of two professionals working in your sector to co-facilitate this group. They develop our industry-specific training on specific FASD topics, and facilitating our webinars.
Kia ora koutou. Ko Nikki Geeson ahau. I live in Doubtless Bay in the Far North. I am a registered psychologist primarily working with children, adolescents, and parents/caregivers across Northland. I complete assessments and provide therapy, including group therapy, in my current role. I have several postgraduate qualifications in psychology, and I am currently completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Infant, Child, and Adolescent Mental Health at the University of Auckland. I spent 17 years working in various roles for the New Zealand Police before retraining as a psychologist.
I am experienced at facilitating groups and have a strong professional interest in FASD. I have volunteered to be a co-facilitator for the online learning and networking group as I’d like to help increase knowledge of FASD across the social services sector, and learn from other group members.
Contact: [email protected] | Mobile: 022 010 4373
Rose Hawkins
Rose works to create awareness of FASD and other disabilities and to support people living with these differences and those around them to live their best lives. Rose has created FASD resources and has presented about the disorder at many workshops, forums and conferences, both in Aotearoa and internationally, promoting simple ways to help understand and respond to FASD. Rose is a Regional Disability Advisor for the Ministry for Children in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Contact: [email protected] | Mobile: 029 650 0505
We will hold a LANSAS webinar every three months on Tuesdays at 4pm in 2025.
• Term Three – 12 August
• Term Four – 4 November
Click here to head to our training platform and register for our next webinar.
If you have any questions or want to know more, please contact one of our FASD Learning and Networking group facilitators via their email address given above.
