Monograph of the InterGovernmental Committee on Drugs Working Party on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

NDARC Staff

Lucy Burns, Emma Black

Other Investigators

Elizabeth Elliott (University of Sydney)

Rationale

The Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs (IGCD) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Working Party was first established in 2006, at the request of the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy, to advise on the developments in Australia and overseas in regard to FASD and to identify best practice approaches to reduce the incidence of FASD, particularly in Indigenous communities. The Working Party commissioned a monograph to examine the status of research, policy and practice regarding alcohol use in pregnancy in Australia.

Aims

This project aimed to examine the current status of research, policy and practice regarding alcohol use in pregnancy in Australia, particularly in relation to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The findings identified areas where additional attention was required and where enhancements to existing practices might improve the current situation with regard to prevention, early intervention and long term management of this preventable condition.

Design and Method

The existing research was identified and reviewed, the findings were analysed, and information was systematically grouped and compiled into one cohesive body and published as a monograph. Topic areas included: the prevalence and correlates of alcohol use in pregnancy, services available for pregnant women, the effects of alcohol exposure during pregnancy, the epidemiology of FASD, prevention, health professionals’ knowledge and practice, professional education and workforce development, services and interventions, policy, and the economic impact of FASD in Australia.

Output

Published monograph

Funding

Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing; Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia.