On 9 September 2019, International FASD Awareness Day, an inquiry was referred to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee into effective approaches to prevention and diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and strategies for optimising life outcomes for people with FASD.
Individuals, organisations, and institutions across Australia made submissions which explored the breadth of the impact of FASD on Australian communities. NOFASD Australia reviewed all submissions and extracted a series of quotes which define themes that arose across the submissions.
In today’s blog, we explore the theme of FASD within Australia’s justice system.
- FASD is increasingly recognised as a common disability present in incarcerated Australians;
- People with FASD can have problems with impulse control and show antisocial behaviour which places them at increased risk of engagement with the criminal justice system;
- Due to FASD being a largely invisible disability, members of law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and corrections officers must become FASD informed to prevent inappropriate incarceration;
- Screening and diagnostic services must be made available to all youth entering the justice system;
- For information, or to order our Police information cards, click here.
The final report from the Senate inquiry was released on 17th March 2021.
Stay tuned to the NOFASD blogs for a summary of the findings.
