Criminal suspects and offenders often have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), a disability which is frequently undiagnosed and yet is often the key to understanding the individual and dealing with him or her. The American Bar Association and American Academy of Pediatrics, among others, have recently passed resolutions indicating the seriousness of this condition and the importance of recognition and treatment. Research indicates that 60% of individuals with this disorder will be arrested at some point in their lives and 50% will be incarcerated or placed in a locked mental health facility. A Canadian study of youth in juvenile facilities found 40 times the expected rate of individuals with FASD. This session will explore the reasons for these numbers as well as some strategies for appropriate intervention both before and after arrest. Dawnmarie Bisgard will describe some of the reasons for the response of individuals living with FASDs to law enforcement officers from the perspective of the affected individual. Ms. Bisgard will discuss strategies which were able to change an expected recidivism rate of 50% to 15% for youth with FASDs who were on Probation in the 17th Judicial District of Colorado during a study funded by the FASD Center for Excellence.

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