Exploring the Use of Restorative Justice Practices with Adult Offenders with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

4. Lessons Learned

This study identified a number of barriers that affect the ability of communities to address the needs of offenders with FASD. The following section identifies the tools needed to eliminate those barriers.

Specialized training

Interviewees noted that better training on FASD would benefit CJS professionals and other community service providers. The few who had received some FASD-related training highlighted the need for refresher courses to keep up to date with the latest medical knowledge and promising practices. All interviewees agreed that more systematic and widespread training is needed to improve the CJS’s knowledge and response to individuals with FASD who come into contact with the system.

Formalized protocols

The lack of formalized referral processes among CJS professionals and community organizations to RJ programs and other community supports negatively affects the outcomes of cases involving individuals with FASD. Although some communities have formal processes, especially with the creation of the ICs, most referrals rely on the personal practices and networks of individual CJS professionals, which might be less reliable when staff turnover is high.

Lifelong supports

RJ programs are usually well connected to a range of community resources and services, such as counselling services, life skills programs, and employment assistance, which can help serve some of the needs of offenders with FASD. However, all interviewees noted that most individuals with FASD require lifelong daily assistance to help reduce their likelihood of re-contact with the CJS, long-term support that is often unavailable in many communities.

Public education and awareness

Interviewees also noted the need for increased public awareness and education about FASD. This would help increase community members’ understanding of the impairments individuals with FASD have and help them gain the supports that they need to be part of the community.