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Author Quinn Hamlyn discusses Call to Action 34, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in the justice system.
Author Introduction
Hello, my name is Quinn! I am originally from Kenora, Ontario. I attended Cambrian college to become a powerline technician. Some of my hobbies include fishing, hunting, and wrenching on toys with friends. If I’m not out of town working, you will find me out on the lake!
Over the past semester I have taken the Truth and Reconciliation program as an elective course. As a worker in North Western Ontario, a good majority of the work I do is in indigenous communities. I took this course so I can be more in touch with the modern day issues that are faced by indigenous people inside these communities. I have chosen as a final project to talk about the 34th call to action as the justice system needs to address some issues in order to properly represent offenders with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a developmental disorder that is caused by the mother of a child drinking alcohol during pregnancy. This causes the brain of the child to not develop properly and will result in the child to potentially have temperamental problems, difficulty learning, and difficulty with problem solving.
What is the goal of Call to action 34?
- Call to action 34 aims to create resources in communities to diagnose FASD early and make it so people with it are less likely to get into trouble with the law.
- Call to action 34 wants to make it so people with FASD are treated fairly in court.
- Call to action 34 aims to put resources in place for offenders with FASD to live in communities safely.
FASD has become an issue for all Canadians, not just Indigenous Canadians. In Manitoba alone, 10% of people incarcerated have FASD.
Alcohol Abuse
Unfortunately alcohol has become a common but unhealthy coping mechanism in many communities. The treatment of indigenous people in Canada in the past and the underlying mental health scars that have resulted from residential schools and colonialism, is a driving factor. And unfortunately some people continue to abuse alcohol even during pregnancy. FASD is a problem that is directly connected to alcohol abuse and this trend must be addressed.
What has been done?
Call to Action 34 is considered in progress. In October 2020, the Manitoba government has begun increasing hearings related to people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. They have started with allotting 7 days a month, but there is still a wait time for offenders. The government still needs to improve funding, but theses court sessions have allowed for more fair and understandable trials for those who suffer from the disorder.
What can you do to help?
FASD is a preventable disorder, and education is key!
FASD Symptoms in criminal justice
People who suffer from Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder typically have these issues in court:
- Difficulty understanding Consequences
- Difficulty understanding what it is to be a victim of a crime
- Difficulty controlling anger
- Difficulty working with lawyers
- Not understanding what is in their best interest
To learn more visit the links below
Drinking smoking and your pregnancy
References
CDC. (2020, October 8). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). Retrieved from Center for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/alcohol-use.html
Courtney R Green, E. A. (2008). FASD and the Criminal Justice System. Canada FASD Research Network, 4.
Fraser, C. (2015, January 7). Victims and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD):. Retrieved from Canada.ca: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/cj-jp/victim/rr07_vic4/p4.html
Geary, A. (2020, January 13). As demand explodes, Manitoba’s new FASD court expands to meet need. Retrieved from CBC.ca: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-fasd-court-expansion-1.5386229
Schwarz, R. H. (2015, June 11). Drinking, Smoking, and Your Pregnancy. Retrieved from Parents: https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/is-it-safe/drinking-smoking-and-your-pregnancy/
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