Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and the criminal justice system: an exploratory look at current treatment practices

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is widespread amongst inmates within the Canadian correctional system. Although research suggests that up to half of the prison population is plagued by an alcohol-related birth defect, little has been done within corrections to address this problem. Diagnosis is rare and treatment is ineffective. Research pertaining to the treatment of FASD-impacted adult offenders is limited; however, interventions can be derived from work done with children and youth affected by FASD. To date, Canada only has one community residential facility (CRF) working with FASD-impacted male offenders on parole. Although an innovative project, it has been faced with many challenges. In order to assist with the successful reintegration of FASD offenders, many changes need to take place within our correctional system.