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How many Qld kids in custody have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

A new report has revealed the staggering number of young Queenslanders held in custody that have been diagnosed with a disability linked to learning and behavioural difficulties.

New figures have been released by the Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support into young Queenslanders held either in custody in a youth detention centre or at a watchhouse.
New figures have been released by the Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support into young Queenslanders held either in custody in a youth detention centre or at a watchhouse.

A new report has revealed the staggering number of young Queenslanders held in custody that have been diagnosed with a disability linked to severe learning and behavioural difficulties.

The state government’s Youth Justice Census Summary has outlined critical information on young people held either in custody in a youth detention centre or at a watchhouse last year.

Of those locked up, an astonishing 25 per cent of youth offenders were either diagnosed or suspected to have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, a disability caused by a child’s exposure to alcohol during pregnancy.

The figure marks a 10 per cent increase from 2023 when it was reported that 15 per cent of Queensland kids in custody were either diagnosed or suspected to have FASD.

Additionally, 53 per cent of children were diagnosed or suspected of having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, according to the Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support report.

Youth justice minister Laura Gerber says she won’t be lobbying for FASD testing for at-risk Queensland kids outside of detention centres. Picture, John Gass
Youth justice minister Laura Gerber says she won’t be lobbying for FASD testing for at-risk Queensland kids outside of detention centres. Picture, John Gass

Youth justice minister Laura Gerber said the spike could be attributed to greater awareness around the disorder.

“Our detention centres are currently implementing innovative new ways to be able to ensure that every kid receives (FASD) assessments,” Ms Gerber said.

“That’s so that they can get a diagnosis and so that they can receive both the treatment plan and the care that’s needed and … ensure that they have support around them so they don’t go on to commit further crimes.”

But Ms Gerber said she wouldn’t be lobbying to introduce FASD testing for at-risk youths before they enter juvenile correctional facilities.

“My portfolio responsibility is youth justice and victim support and corrective services,” she said.

“I’m focused on delivering in relation to that portfolio. And in our detention centres, we know that there are many children that need tailored medical support and tailored diagnosis.”

Shadow youth justice minister Di Farmer has challenged the LNP’s Adult Time Adult Crime policies. Picture: Dan Peled / NewsWire
Shadow youth justice minister Di Farmer has challenged the LNP’s Adult Time Adult Crime policies. Picture: Dan Peled / NewsWire

Putting children with a disability behind bars wasn’t the answer to the state’s youth crime crisis, Opposition youth justice spokeswoman Di Farmer said.

“David Crisafulli’s four-word slogan to youth crime has sought to minimise the complex drivers of what’s behind it at every turn,” Ms Farmer said.

“The fact that one-in-four children in detention are diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder shows a fix to youth offending goes far beyond ‘Adult Crime, Adult Time’.

“David Crisafulli and Laura Gerber are either naive, or have their heads buried in the sand.”

In April, the Cairns Post launched a campaign calling for mandatory and free FASD testing for Queensland kids either held in custody or placed in out-of-home care.

Originally published as How many Qld kids in custody have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/cairns/how-many-qld-kids-in-custody-have-fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder/news-story/ad6cf469455ca14e8e107b62d9689e22