Tackling FASD in youth in detention

Researchers at Perth's The Kids for Child Health Research have been awarded more than $1.4M from the National Health and Medical Research Council to assess how many juvenile offenders in detention are affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

The funding will allow the team to determine how common Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are in young people in detention, develop a FASD screening tool appropriate for young people entering the juvenile justice system, and develop appropriate management strategies for these young people.

Chief Investigator Winthrop Professor Carol Bower said the study builds on previous Institute research on FASD in the justice system and the overwhelming need for more information and services.

"Our previous survey of those working in the juvenile justice system - including police, corrective services staff, lawyers and judicial officers - showed a real need for more information on FASD in young people in trouble with the law, and for services to support them and those working with them," said Professor Bower.

"There are currently no mechanisms to effectively and efficiently identify individuals with FASD in the justice system, there is no information on the scale of the issue, and no evidence for effective strategies to manage offenders and decrease the rate of reoffending."

Professor Bower said research in North America showed that young people with FASD are 19 times more likely to be incarcerated and that around 60% of people with FASD over 12 years of age have been charged with or convicted of a criminal offence.

"In Australia, we don't know the rates of incarceration of individuals with FASD or how to effectively intervene with young people with FASD in the justice setting," she said.

"What we do know is that FASD is under-diagnosed in Australia.

"This research will allow us to understand the factors which influence incarceration of young people, and directly identify opportunities for changes to policy and practice to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals with FASD, as well as improve community health and justice outcomes."

Professor Bower said the study is significant and will contribute important findings, as little is known about the prevalence of FASD either in the general community or among high risk groups.

The study is a collaboration with the WA Department of Corrective Services and the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA.  It will involve around 200 young people in juvenile detention in WA.

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About FASD
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are characterised by brain damage from prenatal alcohol exposure. The effects are lifelong and include developmental delay and problems with learning, behaviour, and social and adaptive functioning. These can lead to secondary outcomes such as poor school performance, unemployment, substance abuse, mental health problems and justice system engagement.