title: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and the law in Australia: the need for awareness and concern to translate into urgent action.
abstract: Awareness of the social tragedies and legal difficulties caused by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder has been emerging since the 1960s. However, although a great deal is now known clinically about the disorder, its diagnosis and what needs to be done by way of prevention and management, a co-ordinated therapeutic and public health response in Australia has thus far been lacking. In turn, this is having a range of repercussions for the courts in evaluating accused persons' criminal responsibility and culpability. Two high-quality and extensive reports during 2012 from Western Australian and Commonwealth parliamentary committees have documented the problems and provided a blueprint for a collaborative and comprehensive intergovernmental response. The challenge for government is now to implement the proposals throughout Australia (and be guided by them in New Zealand) as a matter of urgency.
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Freckelton
mesh_terms: D000434:Alcoholic Beverages; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D063647:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D011356:Product Labeling / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011634:Public Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*