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Navigating complexity to support justice-involved youth with FASD and other neurodevelopmental disabilities: needs and challenges of a regional workforce

Young people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) can face significant challenges in their lives, including overrepresentation in the justice system from a young age. Police questioning and court proceedings can be difficult for these young people to navigate. Practice and policy responses are necessary to identify these individuals, provide appropriate support/rehabilitation, and upskill the justice workforce. The aim of this research was to determine the unmet workforce development needs of a regional workforce providing care and support to youth involved with the justice system.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and the criminal justice system

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a condition caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol and characterised by severe neurodevelopmental impairment which have lifelong implications. Impairments in executive function, memory, cognition, language and attention are common, and can lead to early and repeat engagement with the criminal justice system.

‘We do what we can as soon as we can’ Alcohol and Other Drug workforce perspectives on preventing and responding to prenatal alcohol exposure

Evidence based strategies are needed to enhance the ability of the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector to prevent prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and harms including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). In Australia FASD prevention research has largely focused on primary care and child development sectors, while little research has been conducted with AOD services providing comprehensive support to high risk women.

Prenatal alcohol and tobacco use and the risk of depression in offspring at age of 17 years: findings from the Raine Study

Prenatal alcohol and tobacco exposures have been associated with adverse mental health consequences in offspring. The objective of this study was to test the associations between maternal prenatal alcohol and tobacco exposures and depressive symptoms in the offspring, adjusting for a wide range of potential confounders.

Associations of prenatal alcohol exposure and offspring harmful alcohol use: findings from the Raine Study

Epidemiological evidence suggests offspring exposed to prenatal alcohol are at increased risk of alcohol use disorders in adulthood. The evidence on the risk of developing harmful alcohol use in adolescence is less clear.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: the importance of assessment, diagnosis and support in the Australian justice context

The current article outlines how individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder may experience inequities within the justice system

Impairment of motor skills in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in remote Australia: The Lililwan Project

Almost of 10% of children with FASD has significant motor impairment. Evaluation of motor function should routinely be included in assessments for FASD.

Visual-motor integration, visual perception, and fine motor coordination in a population of children with high levels of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Aboriginal children living in remote Western Australia have poor visual-motor integration skills regardless of prenatal alcohol exposure or FASD

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Using knowledge, attitudes and practice of justice professionals to support their educational needs

There was widespread agreement of the need for more information and training about FASD to optimise outcomes for people with FASD engaging with justice system