Identifying and intervening with youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in juvenile courts (An initiative funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

Identifying youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in juvenile courts enables a more tailored mental health intervention. FASD often is not detected although research suggests a higher prevalence of FASD in youth involved with juvenile courts. FASD likely contributes to these youths' problem behaviors. Identifying and intervening with youth with an FASD may result in reduced recidivism and increased stability in placements. Five juvenile court projects screened, diagnosed, and treated youth with an FASD during 2006. These court projects were funded as subcontracts by Northrop Grumman under the prime contract with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The screening process and populations served varied across the projects. Those that screened positive were referred for an FASD diagnostic evaluation. Preliminary results of youth screening positive for an FASD during 2006 are as follows: Denver 46.2%; Ventura County 45.3%; 17th Judicial District Colorado 32.4%; Hennepin County 19.2%; and Skagit County 3.6%. The percentages of those that have completed an FASD diagnostic evaluation and received an FASD diagnosis are as follows: Ventura County 100% (most have not completed a diagnostic evaluation); Skagit County 100%; Hennepin County 83.7%; 17th Judicial District 50%; and Denver is verifying their diagnoses. (Final results will be presented at the APHA meeting.) These results show that juvenile courts can screen youth for an FASD, that the screening criteria identify youth who receive an FASD diagnosis, and that juvenile courts will provide more tailored treatment based on the FASD diagnostic evaluations.