Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, FASD is similar to trauma in that it changes the way a person responds to the world around them and how they fit within it. People with FASD require some of the same supports as a person who has experienced traumas.
Mr. Speaker, there is limited research available about FASD prevalence and even less research available on parenting with FASD. In studies I did find, less than 50 percent of children to parents with FASD were in the care of their parent. Parents with FASD are more likely to experience homelessness, domestic violence, and substance abuse.
FASD is a spectrum of disability and strengths, Mr. Speaker, and integrated service delivery, harm reduction programs, and mental health and wellness supports are prevention tools.
First, people need their basic needs met, like housing and food security. Second is a need for long-term individualized comprehensive supports like, for example, transportation to and from work, parenting mentorship programs or also respite, Mr. Speaker.
To achieve this, the GNWT needs two key things. First is pathfinder positions in the FASD diagnostic clinics to set up connections to FASD-informed and trauma-informed support services and to help people navigate the GNWT system. Second, a safe space to secure support without the fear of triggering a child and family services investigation.
In its first year, the adult FASD diagnostic clinic assessed 25 NWT adults, 20 of which were diagnosed with FASD. There are no statistics in the territory on the prevalence of FASD in our communities, Mr. Speaker, and no statistics on the prevalence of parents with FASD and to understand the magnitude of this issue, more research and data needs to be tracked.
We are on the tails of a pandemic that saw increased trauma, increased alcohol consumption, and increased family violence during isolation, Mr. Speaker. We need to talk more about FASD and continue to peel away the stigma. We need to change the narrative and we need to continue these conversations in this House and in our communities. But most of all, Mr. Speaker, we need clear paths to person centre supports for all Northerners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
