Two very exciting announcements in today’s 2017 Ontario Budget for FASD and Developmental Disabilities:

Preventing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Supporting Those Affected by FASD

Ontario is investing $26 million over four years to expand support for children, youth and families affected by FASD. To increase awareness of the disorder and how it can be prevented, Ontario is supporting six initiatives that will:

* Create one-stop access to information/training resources;

* Provide funding for 56 FASD workers to support approximately 2,500 Ontarians with FASD;

* Support parent support networks;

* Increase access to FASD initiatives developed by Indigenous partners;

* Establish a consultation group to provide advice and feedback to inform implementation planning and prioritization of efforts; and

* Create a research fund and invest in knowledge mobilization.

These initiatives will help reduce the prevalence of the disorder, increase coordination of services, improve the quality of life for those with FASD, and enhance support for families and caregivers.

Supporting Adults with Developmental Disabilities
The government remains committed to transforming Ontario’s developmental services system with the goal of supporting people to live as independently as possible in inclusive communities across Ontario.

The government will take immediate action and invest $677 million over four years to help keep people out of crises and give more people the supports that are right for them. In particular, in 2017–18, the government will:

* Provide over 375 additional residential developmental services placements for individuals with urgent needs and youth transitioning from the child welfare system;

* Support 1,000 additional adults with developmental disabilities to participate in their communities through the Passport program;

* Establish a specialized residential support home for individuals with complex needs who are moving from justice facilities;

* Expand specialized clinical responses for individuals with complex special needs; and

* Improve access to local community services by making the system easier to navigate.

Over the next two years, the government will work with families and community partners to transition over 400 young adults currently in the children’s system into adult developmental services.

This investment will support the government’s response to the recommendations of the Ombudsman of Ontario to address situations of crisis involving people with urgent and complex care needs. The Province is committed to continuing to work with individuals, families and champions to build on the foundation set to date. The government’s goal is to provide greater flexibility, choice and inclusion in the developmental services that are offered.

The full 2017 Ontario Budget