Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Survey

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is the umbrella term for a group of conditions for anyone whose mother drank while pregnant. FASD has been referred to as a hidden epidemic because estimating the true prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and FASD is difficult, but anecdotally it is a major societal issue. FAS is estimated to affect 2 to 7 per 1,000 of the U.S. population and FASD affects an estimated 2-5% of younger school children in the U.S. Children in the foster care system are more likely to have FASD compared to the general population, as prenatal alcohol exposure has also been associated with abuse and neglect. A child with an FASD condition is at an increased risk for foster care placement and involvement with the criminal system. This hidden epidemic has an impact on the judicial system. Unfortunately, this is a 100% preventable disorder but it is not routinely screened for in prenatal care and many children remain undetected.

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges has received funding from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to improve the way in which courts address the needs of children and parents with FASD. The first step in this process is this survey which will give us a better understanding of the current level of knowledge and availability of FASD diagnosis and interventions available to juvenile and family court personnel. It should only take 10-15 minutes.Your opinion is important to us. Thank you for your time.