Trying differently: A relationship-centered approach to representing clients with cognitive challenges

Corrections and connection to the community: A diagnostic and service program for incarcerated adult men with FASD

Previous research has demonstrated that impaired social and adaptive behavior due to prenatal alcohol exposure can be associated with severe conduct disorders in adolescence, mental health concerns, school failure, employment difficulties, substance abuse, difficulty with the law, and incarceration. The Corrections and Connections to the Community research and service program was established to examine adult male offenders with frequent contact with the provincial corrections system. Individuals who participated in the program received neuropsychological testing, a functional assessment and a psychiatric interview. Results indicated that 90% of the participants identified within the spectrum of FASD. The functional profile indicated that many participants had impaired social functioning. A natural dichotomy emerged from the data which reflected those who connected early with the criminal justice system (65%) and those who did not connect within the 18 month project period. Significant differences emerged between those individuals who reconnected with the justice system and who also possessed a juvenile record and those who did not. Further analysis also indicated significant differences between scores on the Finger Tapping Test, Trail Making Test A, ILS and California Verbal Learning Test. Findings of this study highlight the importance of appropriate programming and services for incarcerated men with FASD.

The lived experience of paroled offenders with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and comorbid psychiatric disorder

This case study presents the life history and postincarceration experiences of two forensic psychiatric patients diagnosed with comorbid mental illness and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The men first met in prison and a few years after their release became roommates at the suggestion of their community support worker and parole officer. With shared and coordinated clinical and mentorship supports, the men were able to establish stability in their lives and manage their mental illness. However, changes in support and gaps within the continuum of care contributed to a sudden breakdown in their stability. The life history and experiences of the two men illustrate the importance in establishing and maintaining positive social networks and coordinated supports for the postincarceration success of offenders living with FASD and comorbid mental illness. The findings highlight areas of patient and system vulnerability that should be addressed to reduce recidivism and strengthen the stability in the lives of these individuals.