Queensland Victims’ Commissioner Beck O’Connor pushes for urgent testing to tackle youth crime

The Queensland Victims’ Commissioner says if Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) was taken seriously, it could play a critical role in addressing youth crime.

The Victims’ Crimes Commissioner is urging the state government to make fetal alcohol spectrum disorder testing free for at-risk children. Picture: Canva

The Queensland Victims’ Commissioner says if Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) was taken seriously, it could play a critical role in addressing youth crime.

It comes after the Cairns Post’s ‘Cause and Effect’ campaign was launched in April calling on the state government and relevant authorities to provide free testing for at-risk children, including those involved in the child protection and criminal justice systems.

The Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee will now hold a public hearing in Cairns on Tuesday, May 6, to better understand the Making Queensland Safer (Adult Crime, Adult Time) Amendment Bill.

Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support, Laura Gerber, during the first meeting of the newly formed expert legal panel providing advice on the next stages of reform to Queensland’s Youth Justice Act, relevant to Adult Crime, Adult Time. Picture: Dan Peled / NewsWire

Queensland Victims’ Commissioner Beck O’Connor said if FASD was taken seriously through testing, treatment and prevention, it could play a key role in addressing youth crime and safeguarding both children and the wider community.

“I commend and support the Cairns Post’s ‘Cause and Effect’ campaign, calling for free FASD testing for at-risk children, such as those who come into contact with the child protection or criminal justice system,” she said.

“Given the scale of the impact on youth crime and its flow-on effects on the community, the government must give urgent priority to the development of a comprehensive plan to manage FASD.”

Queensland Victims’ Commissioner Beck O’Connor calls for free FASD testing.

Experts say FASD is linked to increased youth crime and requires a comprehensive plan for prevention and intervention.

A recent Senate inquiry found children with FASD are more likely to enter the youth justice system due to cognitive issues like poor self-regulation and decision-making, making them more vulnerable to negative peer pressure and antisocial behaviour.

The Queensland Premier introduced a new bill on April 1 aimed at tougher penalties for youth offenders committing serious crimes.

It is now being reviewed by the committee, which will decide whether to recommend changes to the bill before it moves forward in parliament.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli introduced a new bill on April 1 aimed at tougher penalties for young offenders. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Ms O’Connor said the government’s approach must include raising public awareness of FASD, training healthcare professionals and providing free testing and treatment for affected children.

A FASD diagnosis requires at least two assessments, one from a pediatrician or youth psychiatrist and a psychologist.

“This means training for early intervention at the prenatal, antenatal and pediatric stages of health care, as well as a regime of free testing and urgent treatment for children who come into contact with the child protection and criminal justice systems,” she said.

FASD can cause microcephaly, a condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than usual, often due to the brain not growing properly, among other physical and mental disabilities.

In a 27-page document with recommendations made by the office of the victims’ commissioner, it suggests some proposed amendments could exacerbate the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the youth justice system.

“A holistic, co-ordinated response is required. One that brings together evidence-based best practice in justice, child protection, education, housing and health systems,” she said.

Additional recommendations Ms O’Connor has made include advocating for the full implementation of mental health and trauma strategies to support young victims.

Originally published as Queensland Victims’ Commissioner Beck O’Connor pushes for urgent testing to tackle youth crime