Advocacy = respect and inclusion
It’s not too much to demand that policies supporting alcohol-free pregnancies be thoughtfully adopted—and still, positive change is slow. Proof Alliance works to make sure that people have access to affordable, high-quality prenatal care. We advocate for policies that support a trusted relationship between a pregnant person and their health care provider. And pregnant individuals with a history of an alcohol-use disorder need access to experienced, culturally-appropriate treatment and long-term support. Universal screening for alcohol use during pre-conception and prenatal health visits is essential to achieving a world of alcohol-free pregnancies.
It’s not a radical idea to believe that those who are impacted by an FASD deserve equitable access to education, appropriate housing and life-altering services—and yet, the barriers are frequent. At Proof Alliance, we initiate and champion efforts to deliver a life of independence with fulfilling employment and equal access to justice.
Human dignity + Purposeful advocacy + Ongoing support—this is the equation at the core of Proof Alliance.
Allied in the effort
Proof Alliance has worked for 20+ years to prevent prenatal alcohol exposure, and to protect those who are challenged with an FASD. We go deep and broad to provide education and support to provide FASD education and support to pregnant, and potentially pregnant individuals. Proof Alliance advocates for people, for change and for healthier communities.
It’s important to note that we provide education, outreach and services to hundreds of Minnesotans every year. But our work goes beyond that. We take what we learn by implementing those programs and develop policies that could help change systems.
Former Minnesota First, Lady Susan Carlson founded Proof Alliance (then MOFAS). With our origins rooted in policy-making, we have always had a strong legislative agenda. We cannot accomplish our mission of preventing FASD and supporting those impacted if we do not fully engage all potential advocates. We will continue to fight for policies, regulations, and laws that support our mission of healthy children and families.
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Activating optimism
Children with an FASD are 17 times more likely to be in foster care…17x. If foster parents do not understand the unique needs of that child, they will not thrive. Over the years, Proof Alliance has provided substantial training to foster parents—it wasn’t enough. Through legislative advocacy and activism, Proof Alliance led the charge to require all foster parents to have FASD training every year. We pressed on by passing a law that requires all children entering foster care to be screened for prenatal exposure to alcohol. Now, instead of one training at a time, every foster parent and every child welfare worker in the state has a responsibility to be FASD-informed.
We’re just getting started on a long list of optimistic initiatives. We will do the work, and we’ll keep amplifying the voices of people living with an FASD and their families. We seek to create a world where alcohol is not consumed during pregnancy, and anyone living with an FASD has equal opportunity to live their fullest humanity.
Legislative landmarks
Further legislation championed by Proof Alliance advocates:
- Funding for long-term recovery supports for mothers and pregnant individuals who have a history of alcohol-use disorder
- Funding for schools and special education students to help support their ability to “catch up” due to the pandemic
- Pilot program for those convicted of a felony who may have a brain injury or FASD, to be referred for a pre-sentencing neuropsychological exam
- Law allowing prenatal care providers to not report alcohol use by pregnant individuals to child protection
- Law requiring all paraprofessionals providing support to students with an FASD to have appropriate training
- Original funding allocated with two grant expansions supporting prevention, identification, diagnosis and treatment of FASD in Minnesota
FASD Advocacy Day 2023
Register for Proof Alliance's FASD Advocacy Day 2023 and voice your story to advocate, educate and legislate to prevent FASD and improve care for all impacted!
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Federal & State Legislative Priorities
Reaching out to policymakers both locally in Minnesota, and nationwide is a key component of making lasting change for individuals with an FASD and those who love them.
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Communicating With Your Legislators
Our elected officials work for us! Together we can make changes on the local, state and federal level if we each take responsibility to communicate with our legislators.
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