Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Background. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term describing the impacts that alcohol has on the brain and body of individuals who were prenatally exposed. Without proper supports, individuals with FASD experience elevated adverse life outcomes (e.g., heightened engagement with the law). Despite the overrepresentation of individuals with FASD in justice and correctional settings, there is a gap between knowledge and practice. The intersection between the health of people with FASD, their social determinants of health, and justice involvement highlights how social and health factors contribute to the overrepresentation of people with FASD in the justice system. Objectives. To present and discuss the significance and implications of the findings from a study examining justice professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding FASD at the Atlantic FASD Conference in 2025. Highly relevant knowledge users, policy and decision makers, FASD experts, and champions who work and live in the Atlantic region will be in attendance at this conference. Presenting at the conference will offer concrete and strategic opportunities (e.g. policies and training resources) that will expedite knowledge mobilization efforts. Methods. Study findings will be co-presented with staff from the New Brunswick provincial health authority. The mixed-methods study (survey and interviews) included judicial, legal, and law enforcement participants from across New Brunswick (NB). Results. Survey respondents and interviewees revealed unexpected discrepancies in FASD-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices, while also identifying preferred methods for receiving FASD-related training to advance their knowledge and skills. Conclusions. Presenting at the Atlantic FASD conference will facilitate tangible and strategic plans that will ultimately address and improve health access and status for people with FASD as well as foster a more FASD-informed justice system.