Babies born in Virginia that are substance exposed have placed a new demand on Newborn Nurseries, NICUs, Social Services and Early Intervention. The unique characteristic of the substance use and potential dependency in the pregnant mother requires a unique method of service delivery. Distrust, dishonesty, and denial are barriers that must be met with sensitivity, transparent communication, and parent empowerment. Post-natal service planning must start as soon as the mother and infant are identified to allow time for relationship building and the allocation of resources. Reassurance for the mother that she is valued is essential to her participation in the care of her baby during withdrawal and in accessing community supports and services after discharge. Substance exposed infants are more likely to have language impairments, poor memory, and are at risk for further disruptive behavioral disorders. Early Intervention can be a catalyst for change that supports better outcomes.
Tune in to the Sept-Oct. TOT to learn the facts, dispel the myths, and develop the skills you need to support family-centered care.
You will automatically be registered for the October 2, 2018 Talks on Tuesdays webinar when registering for September.
MEET THE PRESENTERS:
Sharlene Stowers
is the Director of Early Intervention of the Infant and Toddler Connection of Shenandoah Valley. Sharlene's passion for substance exposed infants and their families developed as she witnessed a 35% referral increase of substance exposed infants to her program within one year. She has presented on "Strategies for Helping Infants and Toddlers Overcome Trauma" at the Grafton Symposium, October 2106 and " The Substance Exposed Infant- The Next Generation" at Creating Connections to Shining Stars, November 2017. She is committed to increasing awareness and educating people of the unique needs these special babies have and to challenging programs to rethink how they are meeting the needs of these families.
Kelly Walsh-Hill, PT, has worked in pediatrics for 33 years and currently works as a provider in both NICU and Early Intervention. She has worked as a consultant promoting Family Centered Care to improve the transition from Hospital to Early Intervention. She has presented numerous webinars and developed tools for Birth to Three Providers and, most recently, presented at the National Perinatal Association's Annual Conference on Perinatal Substance Use and NAS at Loma Linda University in March 2018. Kelly resides in Warrenton, Virginia, and also serves as Chair of the Virginia Interagency Coordinating Council.
