Michael Healy throws support behind free FASD testing for at-risk kids in Queensland
A Cairns-based MP says he supports free FASD testing for at-risk children in Queensland, saying it would form an important part of reducing youth crime in Queensland.
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Cairns-based MP Michael Healy says he supports mandatory and free Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder testing for at-risk children in Queensland, saying it would form an important part of the strategy to reduce youth crime in Queensland.
It comes after The Cairns Post launched Cause and Effect, a campaign calling for free and mandatory testing for at-risk children in Queensland, which includes children in out-of-home care and protective custody, or those involved in the youth justice system.
Children with FASD are overrepresented in Australian youth detention centres, with 2018 study of Banksia Hill Detention Centre in Western Australia finding that 36 per cent of detained children had FASD.
Brisbane psychologist Dr Vanessa Spiller recently said she believed the number could be as high as 60 per cent across the country, due to the study only assessing the impairment of eight out of 10 neurodevelopmental domains, and the confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure being required for diagnosis.
Ms Spiller also said it is estimated that up to 25 per cent of children in out-of-home care also have FASD, but the condition was often misdiagnosed or missed altogether.
“This is an important area which I’ve been very supportive of for several years,” Mr Healy said.
However, he said it was imperative that FASD testing formed one part of a broader prevention strategy for youth crime.
“There is no silver bullet to youth crime – the solution involves a number of different strategies,” he said.
“Free FASD testing for at-risk children in Queensland would form an important part of (this solution).”
Mr Healy made mention of a variety of programs implemented under the former Queensland state Labor government to improve outcomes for young children with FASD, including FASD assessments for youth entering detention centres.
“Early identification facilitated the provision of appropriate support and interventions during detention,” he said.
Mr Healy also said the previous Queensland Labor government’s efforts with aligned with the National Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan 2018-2028.
“This collaboration ensured a co-ordinated approach to FASD prevention, diagnosis, and support across different levels of government,” he said.
A spokeswoman for Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls said the Crisafulli government “already provide significant services” for children with FASD.
“For example, the Putting Queensland Kids First: Giving our kids the opportunity of a lifetime program invests in our youngest Queenslanders by breaking cycles of disadvantage via prevention and intervention strategies in the early years,” she said.
“The Crisafulli Government is also undertaking a statewide stocktake of Alcohol and Other Drug rehabilitation services, to identify where additional capacity can be funded and activated.”
The spokeswoman also said the government has committed $27.5m to a Healthy Kindy Kids program, which will provide free health and developmental checks to all kindy-aged children in Queensland.
She said the program will then provide follow up checks in years one, three and five for children who are identified as needing assistance, “to ensure our vulnerable children receive ongoing care”.
Senator Nita Green also said the federal Labor government was committed to the National Action Plan, which was implemented to reduce the prevalence and effects of FASD in Australia.
“The Albanese Government recognises the impact that alcohol-related harm can have on children, families and communities,” she said.
“Our Government is providing more than $870m to support drug and alcohol treatment services, prevention, research and communication activities.
“This is in line with the National FASD Strategic Action Plan.”
A three year review into the plan, published in 2022, found that FASD screening in the Australian youth justice system was inadequate, despite research acknowledging its importance.
“The recognition of FASD in the criminal justice system is lacking in many jurisdictions,” the report said.
“There is research to suggest that screening for FASD in youth offender populations is needed, however, there is limited information available to determine whether such recommendations have been followed.”
Overall the report concluded that “the implementation of (FASD) screening processes is insufficient, despite recommendations, and funding for testing was a “big barrier” to diagnosis in Australian justice systems.
FASD refers to a collection of conditions caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Alcohol crosses the placenta and causes brain damage to a foetus, leading to a range of physical, cognitive and behavioural abnormalities.
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