Project

Practice and Policy: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effect Impacted Offenders and the Correctional Service of Canada

Principal Investigator(s): Eva Silden, phone: 604-420-1811, email: emsilden@sfu.ca

Start/End Date:
ended July 2004

Location:
Greater Vancouver, BC

Brief Description:
Until recently, there has been little acknowledgement or understanding of the problems faced by those affected by fetal alcohol syndrome/fetal alcohol effect (FAS/FAE). This is especially the case for offenders. Research indicates that those affected by FAS/FAE are far more likely to have trouble with the law than those who are not. Despite this, diagnosis of FAS/FAE is rare and therefore the disability remains hidden. A review of Corrections Services of Canada (CSC) policy finds that there are avenues within the policy which could be useful in addressing the issue of FAS/FAE impacted offenders. To date, these avenues do not appear to be utilized, nor is there CSC policy dealing directly with FAS/FAE affected offenders. Seven interviews with corrections stakeholders indicate that the resources to address the needs of FAS/FAE affected offenders are scarce. This lack of resources results in keeping the disability invisible and prevents those affected from obtaining the assistance they need to live a pro-social lifestyle. 

Time frame:
completed

Type of Project:
research

Population Served:
Urban

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