Foster Care Associations can be a great partner in advocacy for the FASD Respect Act. You can encourage them to endorse the bill and even help advocate with legislators. Not sure where to start? Here’s how.
Step 1
Find your state’s foster care association through this link: https://www.childwelfare.gov/organizations/?CWIGFunctionsaction=rols:main.dspList&rolType=Custom&RS_ID=32
Step 2
Check the list of endorsements and see if they have already signed on to help:
Step 3
Not on the list? Copy and paste the text below (modify for your state) and send them an email. CC Jenn Wisdahl at wisdahl@fasdunited.org if you’d like and don’t forget the attachments.
Hello,
I’m writing in the hope that INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME would consider signing on to a letter of support for HR4151/S2238 The FASD Respect Act. Current federal response to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, a developmental disability impacting as many as 1 in 20 Americans, is limited to research and surveillance, leaving people with FASD outside of support systems, diagnosis and health equity with even higher rates of prevalence in the foster and adoption community. In the State of INSERT STATE NAME HERE, even diagnostic capacity is far less than the estimated prevalence. The FASD Respect Act would make funding available to states to develop plans to address (with community, stakeholder and lived experience input) the infrastructure necessary to support people living with FASD throughout their lifetime and access an accurate diagnosis as well as care specific to their disability.
I’ve attached a listing of the current list of endorsements as well as a list of current co-sponsors, and a summary and rationale of the bill itself along with a recent report on FASD in the Child Welfare system that highlights the need for this bill. Of note, The Child Welfare League of America, The National Association of Social Workers, The Arc, and Disability Rights Network nationally have signed on to support, as have Foster Parents Associations from a number of states. We’d love the support of INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME HERE in any way you are able to provide it and I’d be happy to arrange a zoom call with someone from FASD United, the organization that is supporting this legislative effort to discuss should you have any questions.
Signing on to support can be done online by completing a quick form located here: https://nofaspolicycenter.org/organizations/
I encourage you to support this vital legislation and look forward to hearing from you,
Include these attachments:
Step 4
Follow up. Wait a week and then give them a call. If they would like a zoom to discuss the bill, email or call Jenn Wisdahl (wisdahl@fasdunited.org or 202-601-2530).
