Fostering FASD-Informed Practice with Incarcerated Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Towards More Informed, Strengths-Based, Investigative and Connected Correctional Environments
Date
2024-06-21
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ORCID
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Doctoral
Abstract
The capacity to foster an FASD-informed environment is predicated on the ability of those within the said environment to make their own practice and interactions FASD-informed. The aim of this study was to critically consider how Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)-informed practice could be fostered within Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) facilities. The study aimed to identify, first, the receptiveness of CSC staff towards adopting FASD-informed practices, and second, the essential elements of an FASD-informed environment and whether they could be applied to a correctional environment. To do so, the researcher carried out the research using a three-part, mixed-methods design that combined a traditional survey, an open-ended survey with a modified Delphi approach follow-up, and interviews with three separate professional groups. The groups included CSC frontline staff, professionals working within intervention and research for FASD, and CSC staff who work within an institution that also houses an FASD diagnostic clinic. The results indicated that FASD-informed environments employ practices and people who (a) are informed about the disorder, (b) are willing to employ strengths-based approaches, (c) are relentlessly investigative in their pursuit to help the individuals they work with find success, and (d) value the role of connection and relationships.
Within CSC, many staff reported being receptive to adjusting their approach when working with individuals with FASD; however, promoting widespread FASD-informed attitudes and approaches will require changes to current practice, necessitating further training and exposure. Mainstreaming FASD training requires an understanding that not all staff need the same level of FASD knowledge. A tiered implementation model (foundation, knowledge base, action, and specialized service) is offered as a guide to fostering FASD-informed correctional environments. At a foundational level, working towards all institutions being trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based will be beneficial to all incarcerated individuals, not only those with FASD. This can be fostered by offering regular, multimodal training to all staff and fostering attitudes that promote interdisciplinary teamwork and safety. For those in specialized environments or disciplines, offering domain and discipline-specific intervention strategies and opportunities to practice them is suggested. Continued support of the FASD Diagnostic Clinic teams will also ensure continued diagnostic capacity, consultation, and specialized services. All four tiers in the tiered implementation model rely on strong managerial support and are strengthened through connections within the institution and the surrounding community. The implication of the findings within this study offers recommendations on how to respond to FASD within correctional systems that is consistent with CSC’s mandate to provide treatment aimed at rehabilitation and mitigating the risk offenders place on the safety of society. Given the overrepresentation of FASD within institutions, there is a need to provide employees with tools to work with this population and be responsive to these mandates. With top-level support to introduce sustainable training opportunities alongside recognizing that FASD requires frontline staff the room to be flexible and accommodating, a shift can begin towards fostering more FASD-informed correctional environments.
Description
Keywords
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Correctional Service of Canada, FASD-informed care, trauma-informed care, incarcerated, offender, corrections
Citation
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Department
Interdisciplinary Studies
Program
Interdisciplinary Studies