Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and the Courts: How England and Wales Could Benefit From Following an Australian Model

Hill, Gabrielle; Gerry KC, Felicity; Herlihen, Paula; Allely, Clare S.; Gilbert, David J.

Abstract

Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a set of symptoms and signs that may follow from exposure of the unborn child to alcohol during pregnancy. Characterised by cognitive and behavioural impairments, one secondary outcome from FASD, is encounters with the criminal justice system (CJS). In some countries, for example, England and Wales, it seems likely that many cases are missed at this point and, thus, courts are at risk of making unsafe judgements. We could learn a lot from countries where services are generally more used to dealing with FASD. Australia is one such country.

• Journal Article Type: Editorial
• Acceptance Date: Jan 15, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Jan 28, 2025
• Publication Date: Jan 28, 2025
• Deposit Date: Feb 5, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 29, 2026
• Journal: Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health
• Print ISSN: 0957-9664
• Electronic ISSN: 1471-2857
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cbm.2375
• Additional Information: Received: 2024-10-02; Accepted: 2025-01-15; Published: 2025-01-28