Studies Investigating Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in the Criminal Justice System: A Systematic PRISMA Review

Allely, Clare S.; Gebbia, Piersanti

doi:10.15226/2374-6874/3/1/00123

Cited by 10 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 29 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…So, future research is needed to tease out the extent to which other addictive drugs abused in pregnancy are responsible for the behavioural difficulties of the children and, similarly, how much of this is due to wider conditions known to have harmful effects, such as neglect and maltreatment. This is important because children with FASD often develop secondary morbidities such as involvement with drugs, the criminal justice system and domestic violence (Allely and Gebbia, 2016). Recent research by Mukherjee and colleagues (2019) has begun to unravel these forces producing evidence that when both prenatal alcohol exposure and neglect are present, prenatal alcohol exposure appears to be the more significant factor in the developmental deficits in the children.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the experiences of social workers in working with children suspected to have fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Gilbert

Mukherjee

Kassam

et al. 2021

Adoption & Fostering

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is one outcome from prenatal alcohol exposure. Social workers are likely to encounter children with the condition, due to the greater likelihood of prenatal alcohol exposure among children in social services settings. This study explores the experiences of social workers in working with children suspected of having FASD and the support offered to social workers, the children and their families. Semi-structured interviews followed by qualitative framework analysis were conducted with seven child and family social workers along with one child protection solicitor who had experience of handling FASD cases. The two main themes that emerged from the data were a lack of knowledge about FASD and the paucity of diagnosis. Lack of knowledge among the social workers was linked to difficulty in managing children suspected to have the condition, feelings of frustration and normalisation of challenging behaviours. The paucity of diagnosis led to an under-emphasis of FASD in assessments, a dearth of specialist services and confusion about its specific effects in contexts of multiple substance misuse and harmful socio-environmental factors. The need for increased FASD awareness within social services and the development of FASD-targeted support for children and families is highlighted. Social workers would benefit from the inclusion of FASD-focused training in their curricula and professional development plans. Improving the diagnostic capacities of health institutions would address the paucity of diagnosis and raise the profile of FASD, especially in the social services setting.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the experiences of social workers in working with children suspected to have fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Gilbert

Mukherjee

Kassam

et al. 2021

Adoption & Fostering

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Although confabulation may be an unfamiliar concept to legal professionals, it has a disproportionate significance within the criminal justice and civil legal systems. This is due to the large effects that recalled memories can have on the reporting of alleged crimes, as well as the conviction and punishment of defendants (Allely & Gebbia, 2016). Throughout their careers, it is likely that legal professionals will encounter many individuals who confabulate.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and confabulation in psycholegal settings: A beginner’s guide for criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal interviewers

Brown

Jonason

Asp

et al. 2021

Behavioral Sci & The Law

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are neurodevelopmental/neurobehavioral conditions caused by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Impairments caused by PAE contribute to the over‐representation of individuals with FASD in the United States juvenile and adult criminal justice systems. These same impairments can equally impact on individuals with FASD who are witnesses to or victims of crime who also have to navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system. Difficulties include increased susceptibility to confabulation throughout the legal process that, in turn, can contribute to increased rates of poor outcomes including false confessions and wrongful convictions. Individuals with FASD are particularity at risk of confabulation when they are subjected to tactics, such as stressful and anxiety‐provoking situations, threats, and leading, suggestive, or coercive questioning. Many professionals in the forensic context are unfamiliar with FASD or related confabulation risk and may unintentionally utilize tactics that intensify impacts of pre‐existing impairment. This article serves as a beginner’s guide for professionals working in criminal justice settings by (a) providing research‐based overviews of FASD and confabulation, (b) describing how FASD may lead to confabulation, and (c) suggesting ways that professionals can modify protocols when interacting with individuals with FASD. Suggestions in this article hold the potential to decrease the risk of confabulation in the criminal justice system and decrease problematic outcomes, such as false confessions and wrongful convictions among individuals with FASD.

show abstract

“…In order to reduce the negative impact of crime and incarceration on society, there is a critical need to determine the extent that young people with FASD are involved with the justice system. 20 21 Once that determination is made, development of appropriate evidence-based management strategies for these young people can take place. Screening for and diagnosis of FASD can be challenging for a number of reasons.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Study protocol for screening and diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) among young people sentenced to detention in Western Australia

et al. 2016

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

IntroductionPrenatal alcohol exposure can cause lifelong disability, including physical, cognitive and behavioural deficits, known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Among individuals with FASD, engagement with justice services is common. Little is known about the prevalence of FASD among young people engaged with the Australian justice system. This study aims to establish FASD prevalence among sentenced young people in detention in Western Australia (WA), and use the findings to develop a screening tool for use among young people entering detention. Translation of these results will guide the management and support of young people in detention and will have significant implications on the lives of young people with FASD and the future of Australian youth justice services.Methods and analysisAny sentenced young person in WA aged 10–17 years 11 months is eligible to participate. Young people are assessed for FASD by a multidisciplinary team. Standardised assessment tools refined for the Australian context are used, acknowledging the language and social complexities involved. Australian diagnostic guidelines for FASD will be applied. Information is obtained from young people, responsible adults, teachers and custodial officers. Individualised results and management plans for each young person are communicated to the young person and responsible adult. Prevalence of FASD will be reported and multivariate methods used to identify variables most predictive of FASD and to optimise the predictive value of screening.Ethics and disseminationApprovals have been granted by the WA Aboriginal Health Ethics Committee, University of WA Human Research Ethics Committee, Department of Corrective Services, and Department for Child Protection and Family Support. Anonymised findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed manuscripts, presentations and the media. Extensive consultation with stakeholders (including government agencies, detention centre staff, community service providers, the young people and their families or carers) will be ongoing until findings are disseminated and translated.

show abstract

Studies Investigating Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in the Criminal Justice System: A Systematic PRISMA Review

Cited by 10 publications

References 29 publications

Exploring the experiences of social workers in working with children suspected to have fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Exploring the experiences of social workers in working with children suspected to have fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and confabulation in psycholegal settings: A beginner’s guide for criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal interviewers

Study protocol for screening and diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) among young people sentenced to detention in Western Australia

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About