Notice Board

The Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA) presents a session with Sabrina Hacker, FASD Adult Justice and Community Outreach Program Coordinator, who will discuss FASD affected people and their relationship with the criminal justice system.

Date:                   Thursday, April 19, 2018
Time:                  Doors open 11:30 a.m., Presentation 12 p.m., buffet lunch 12:30 p.m., Q&A 1 – 1:30 p.m.
Location:             Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge
Cost:                   $14 buffet lunch with desert & coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

The fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) Adult Justice Program was developed as a partnership under the umbrella of the South Alberta FASD Service Network and the 10-year strategic plan, in response to a need identified by the Alberta Government. The program works collaboratively with a number of service providers, community agencies and professionals committed to affecting change within the justice system for individuals and families affected by FASD.

The FASD Justice Program operation model is based, in part, on the FASD Youth Justice Project, which has been operating successfully in southwestern Alberta since 2000. Peak, the organization that oversees the Adult FASD Justice Program, began providing services in 1992. The original vision of Peak was to provide maximum vocational integration in the community. Peak Vocational and Support Services was established as an employment placement agency that now provides, full time day program supports, residential, employment, outreach and complex needs supports including supports in the justice system.

Changes have taken place over the years to expand services and now the agency accommodates individuals with different types of goals for their lives. Peak believes that all people in this world have the right to have goals, to have dreams and to be able to fulfill them to the greatest extent that they are able.  The speaker will describe the variable roles Peak can play in helping individuals who live with FASD achieve fulfilment in their daily lives as well as what that looks like in terms of a social return on investment.

Speaker:            Sabrina Hacker

Sabrina Hacker Is the FASD Adult Justice and Community Outreach Program Coordinator at Peak Vocational and Support Services.  Sabrina worked in local law enforcement as the Dangerous Dog Officer for 11 years, becoming a certified member of NACA level three and was recognized as being the highest trained officer in Canada.

In 2004, Sabrina went back to school majoring in Justice Studies/Corrections. Upon graduating, Sabrina was approached to create a diversionary justice program that would identify the struggles FASD clients face in mainstream justice. Once identified, the program develops a case plan, connects with community partners and works collaboratively to reduce recidivism.

Moderator:        Ross Samuel

For more information on the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs, visit the SACPA website.