Dear Andrea, Placement of this child in a special FAS program may not be possible and may not even be advisable. Often, resources can be found close to home by using available, perhaps a close relative or friend who can be a mentor to the boy, or a special needs group home where he can have close supervision. Kids with FAS may appear to be much higher functioning than they actually are. Be sure to look at this page to see how low his social skills and living skills probably are (lower than you'd think) in relation to his age and apparent verbal skills, which are probably high: http://come-over.to/FAS/timeline.htm Remember, his emotional developmental level is probably about half is age. My son who is 21 has high verbal skills and appears to be quite capable and intelligent, but tests show that his functional abilities are somewhere between a 4 year old and a 9 year old. This was revealed by using a test called the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. More info here: http://www.come-over.to/fastext/Vinelandtest.txt Ask for this as a necessary part of his psychological evaluation. This is a must for offenders with FAS and FAE. Here is an explanation of the neurological dysfunction of FAS/FAE - Static Encephalopathy: http://www.come-over.to/fasstar/static.htm I hope you are familiar with this site. Look for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome under Articles by Subject: http://www.crime-times.org/ There are 15 good articles here. Over half of young offenders suffer from FAS. Here is an article that shows the seriousness and cost of this social problem: http://www.come-over.to/fasstar/zakreski.htm Understanding the neurodevelopmental disorder of FAS: http://www.come-over.to/fasstar/malbininfo.htm Understanding FAS and helping those who are making decisions for this young man to understand his disability will increase the chances of his getting the kind of support he needs to stay out of trouble. As the local expert on FAS, it is my personal opinion, based on all the research I have read, that the ONLY successful strategy is CLOSE SUPERVISION 24/7. Here are my seven secrets to success for individuals with FAS in the court system: http://come-over.to/FAS/screamsCJS.htm Here's my John's story in the news (never been in trouble with the law): http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/local/archive/fas/part1_5.html Here's another John's story with a not-so-happy ending (life in prison for murder): http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/local/archive/fas/part3.html To contact someone knowledgeable in your area, you might call the Family Empowerment Network (FEN) in Madision, WI, as they offer support information around the country: (608)262-6590 This little brown booklet is a must. Order a few and place them in the hands of the decision makers BEFORE they make any decisions for this boy: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects: Strategies for Professionals by Diane Malbin, from Hazelden, (800)328-9000. Order it here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0894869515/thefasbookstore. Remember, these kids have trouble learning from the consequences of their actions. Even when they KNOW what's right and wrong and can tell you the rules and what happens when they break the rules. An explanation of their faulty moral development is here: http://www.come-over.to/FAS/conscience.htm I'm sorry if this seems like a lot to print out and read. But this make make all the difference for this boy's future. Please take what you read seriously and share it with the judge and probation officers and lawyers. I am happy to try to help out with this young man. I hope that if my son is ever in trouble, there will be someone like you there to research info and advocate in his best interest. Teresa Kellerman Coordinator FAS Community Resource Center Tucson, AZ http://come-over.to/FASCRC/ |