The OBD Triage Institute

Organic Brain Dysfunction

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Considerations for the Criminal Justice System

Focus of Training

The risk of criminal involvement for individuals living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is typically higher due to a complex combination of variables within this medical diagnosis. This session is designed specifically for professionals working within the justice system to address the various legal aspects and concerns regarding this patient population.

Diverse variables within FASD indicate that no two people present with the same physical, cognitive, executive functioning, sensory, behavioural issues, or social history. As a result, patient-specific strategies are essential to judicial planning and ultimately, in reducing recidivism. This seminar will focus on updating participants with current medical findings in the areas of physical, sensory, cognitive and executive functioning and how these issues often translate to what appears to be wilful criminal activities. Further, by accurately identifying patient-specific issues in these areas, prevention strategies and intervention techniques are developed to the individual’s overall learning abilities.  Discussion will include interviewing considerations and techniques, conditions and sentencing, probation/parole requirements, as well as prevention strategies intended to diminish reoccurrence of offences.

This is an advanced level training intended exclusively for professionals working within the criminal justice system. The focus is on deciphering the actual abilities of the offender in order to determine how to best proceed within the various professional roles of the Criminal Justice System. Further, attention is drawn to the development of tailored and achievable expectations in order to promote successful reintegration into the community, and reduce recidivism. Review of pertinent cases are discussed as they relate to the topic areas.

Topics

• Implications of the Respective Diagnosis to Criminal Behaviour - How Physical, Sensory and/or Cognitive Issues Result in Criminal Behaviour
  
  
• Professional Liability and Ethical Issues in the Investigation and/or Discussion of FASD
  
  
• Interviewing Techniques and Enhancing Communication
  
  
• Investigating Patterns of Criminal Behaviour
  
  
• Evaluation of Fitness to Stand Trial, Assessing Premeditation and Intent, and Considerations for Testimony
  
  
• Implications of FASD‘s as a Defence for Criminal Behaviour
  
  
• Achievable Sentencing Recommendations Promoting Reduced Opportunities for Re-offence
  
  
• Probation / Court Order Considerations
  
  
• Enlisting Professionals for Diagnostic Interpretation of the Medical Disposition
  
  
• Pre-release Planning and Community Initiatives for Successful Reintegration
  
  
• FASD Diagnostic Clinics within Provincial / Federal Institutions and Post Diagnostic Clinics. Developing Onsite Pre-Release
  
  
• Planning Community Prevention Strategies to Reduce Recidivism

Target Audience

Police officers, RCMP, Corrections Officers, Administrative Staff at Provincial/State/Federal Institutions/Prisons, Department of Justice (Canada and U.S.A.), Young Offenders Institution Staff, Lawyers, Judges, Court Workers,  Probation and Parole Officers, John Howard or Elizabeth Fry Societies Staff, Social workers, Mental Health Workers, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Nurses, and Clergy within the Criminal Justice System.

*This course has been successfully received by Judges Associations, Legal Defence/Prosecution teams, Institution Staff (Youth and Adult Correctional Institutions), Police Services, Probation and Parole Officers. All training sessions are specifically designed to the particular audience. Previous evaluations and references are available by request.

Length of Training

Two-day Seminar

*Participants receive a Certificate of Completion that may apply to credits with the respective Professional Association. Previous evaluations and references are available by request.

Fee Schedule:

Groups requesting information on this seminar please contact info@obdtriage.com for special group rate. No limitations on group size.