EDMONTON (CP) - Alberta should not follow the lead of Saskatchewan in examining whether criminals with fetal alcohol syndrome deserve special treatment, says Justice Minister Dave Hancock.

The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal is expected to rule soon on a case where a lower-court judge ordered the government to establish special treatment programs rather than put such offenders in jail. "I wouldn't want to see us be in a position where court is ordering something," Hancock said. "They're not necessarily in the best position to determine what resources are available or what can be best for a particular individual."

Fetal alcohol syndrome occurs when a mother consumes alcohol during her pregnancy. Damage to the child ranges from brain damage and stunted growth to learning disabilities and behavioural problems.

Hancock said prosecutors can ask judges to place an offender in a treatment program instead of jail.

But even in provincial jails - where offenders stay an average of just 48 days - Hancock believes criminals with the syndrome get referred to the help they need.

"If we don't want to see them again, we have to make sure when they leave they get appropriate referrals to community agencies that can help them," he said.

By March 2001, all frontline staffers in provincial jails and youth facilities will receive training in spotting and counselling people with fetal alcohol syndrome.

All young offenders in provincial institutions watch a one-hour video on the syndrome as part of their orientation. And in January, a workshop co-sponsored by Alberta Justice and the Alberta Medical Association will focus on improving treatment and referral.

(Edmonton Sun)

© The Canadian Press, 2000