health

What is FASD?

FASD stands for Fetal¹ Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. It’s caused when a pregnancy is exposed to alcohol, which affects the brain and body before birth. At its core, FASD is a permanent neurodevelopmental condition (a condition that affects how the brain works). But it is also a spectrum, which means each person with FASD is affected differently. There is no treatment for FASD, but early diagnosis and support can help to limit its impact on a child’s life.  

The risks of passive smoking to health, particularly children’s health, are well known. As an organisation that supports adults to care for children, The Fostering Network’s position is that adults in a caring role should not smoke. There may be exceptions where an existing relationship outweighs the health risks to the child, for example within kinship, family and friends care; in these circumstances a cessation plan should be in place to enable the best possible care for all children.