Approximately five percent of children likely have a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). FASD is even more prevalent among justice system-involved youth and often goes undiagnosed. Most youth with FASD do not exhibit the distinct facial features many of us may associate with fetal alcohol exposure. FASD refers to a category of diagnoses, the most common of which is Alcohol Related Neurodevelopment Disorder.

Pre-natal alcohol exposure can cause impairments related to cognition, learning, communication, socialization, and behavior. These impairments impact a young person’s legal case in a variety of ways and may prevent them from fully participating in legal proceedings. Defenders must know how to effectively advocate for youth with FASD.

Please register and join the Mid-Atlantic Juvenile Defender Center to learn from:

Dr. Larry Burd of the University of North Dakota, who will discuss diagnosis and treatment of FASD, how FASD amplifies the typical characteristics of adolescence (including impulsivity, suggestibility, and poor judgement), as well as the resilience of youth with FASD. 

Debbie St. Jean of the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, who will teach defenders to apply the science of FASD at each stage of their advocacy--from the probable cause hearing to post-disposition. 

Diane Smith Howard of the National Disability Rights Network, who will present strategies for defenders to holistically advocate for youth with FASD using a disability rights framework.

This training is available only to juvenile defense professionals. Selected portions of the training will be recorded and made publicly available after the webinar.