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Can raccoon twins, a fox, a bear and a puffin teach parents about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

Yes, when these wild creatures are brought to life through the stories and word pictures of a Native American storyteller in an award-winning new video series.

A partnership of Washington State agencies, health-care experts, and traditional Northwest tribal storytellers has produced a collection of stories, health tips, and practical knowledge to help parents and foster parents learn about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and understand how it affects their children.

The stories were written by Dr. Robin LaDue and Carolyn Hartness, both Native American professionals in the field of fetal alcohol services, and illustrated by Raoul Imbert.

Floyd Red Crow Westerman narrates the stories, which tell about a fox named Stays in the Moment, orphaned raccoon twins named Best Day Ever and Little Mask, a teen-age bear named Sees No Danger, and a grown-up puffin named Travels in Circles.

Produced by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), "Journey Through the Healing Circle" is now available to parents, schools, and other social service agencies as a series of videotapes, video CDs, and professionally illustrated workbooks.

Take a look at the entertaining, educational series through a 30-second preview, available in high resolution ( 608K) and low resolution ( 300K). Real Player software is needed to view either file.

Copies of "Journey Through the Healing Circle" materials are available from local libraries across the state. The materials can also be ordered directly from the Foster Parent Training Institute. ( FPTI).

For more information contact the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services call, 1-800-737-0617 and visit DSHS online.