Does Ireland Measure Up?

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 626-663
Author(s):  
Fiona Broughton Coveney
Keyword(s):  
Child Protection ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Legal Interpretation ◽  
Best Interest ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Rights Of The Child ◽  
Law And Policy ◽  
United Nations Convention ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol

This article examines protection rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 (crc) and assesses the extent to which such protection rights are afforded to prenatal children in Ireland in the context of prenatal exposure to alcohol. It follows on from the article, “Overstepping the Mark?” (Broughton, 2016: 687–717) in which the author demonstrates the possibilities for the application of the crc to prenatal children. Within the context of protection rights under the crc, this article examines Irish law and policy on protecting children from prenatal alcohol exposure, through the lenses of both child protection and public policy. The central thesis of the article is that although Irish law has the potential to offer prenatal children crc protection rights from this type of harm, legal interpretation has hindered this potential and legal clarity is now necessary to bolster policy and practice, in the best interest of children.

scholarly journals Exploring the experiences of social workers in working with children suspected to have fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-172
Author(s):  
David J Gilbert ◽  
Raja AS Mukherjee ◽  
Nisha Kassam ◽  
Penny A Cook
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Fetal Alcohol ◽  
The Social ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is one outcome from prenatal alcohol exposure. Social workers are likely to encounter children with the condition, due to the greater likelihood of prenatal alcohol exposure among children in social services settings. This study explores the experiences of social workers in working with children suspected of having FASD and the support offered to social workers, the children and their families. Semi-structured interviews followed by qualitative framework analysis were conducted with seven child and family social workers along with one child protection solicitor who had experience of handling FASD cases. The two main themes that emerged from the data were a lack of knowledge about FASD and the paucity of diagnosis. Lack of knowledge among the social workers was linked to difficulty in managing children suspected to have the condition, feelings of frustration and normalisation of challenging behaviours. The paucity of diagnosis led to an under-emphasis of FASD in assessments, a dearth of specialist services and confusion about its specific effects in contexts of multiple substance misuse and harmful socio-environmental factors. The need for increased FASD awareness within social services and the development of FASD-targeted support for children and families is highlighted. Social workers would benefit from the inclusion of FASD-focused training in their curricula and professional development plans. Improving the diagnostic capacities of health institutions would address the paucity of diagnosis and raise the profile of FASD, especially in the social services setting.

Complex Trauma and Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: Clinical Implications

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 32-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvette D. Hyter
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Child Development ◽  
Academic Outcomes ◽  
Complex Trauma ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Complex trauma resulting from chronic maltreatment and prenatal alcohol exposure can significantly affect child development and academic outcomes. Children with histories of maltreatment and those with prenatal alcohol exposure exhibit remarkably similar central nervous system impairments. In this article, I will review the effects of each on the brain and discuss clinical implications for these populations of children.

Prenatal alcohol exposure and signs of minor neurological dysfunction at preschool age

2000 ◽  
Vol 42 (8) ◽  
pp. 508-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Béatrice Larroque ◽  
Monique Kaminski ◽  
Phillipe Dehaene ◽  
Damien Subtil ◽  
Denis Querleu
Keyword(s):  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
Neurological Dysfunction ◽  
Minor Neurological Dysfunction ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol

Impact of Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Problem Behaviors in Preschool and School Children

2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela Pfinder ◽  
Stefan Liebig ◽  
Reinhold Feldmann
Keyword(s):  
Problem Behaviors ◽  
Tobacco Smoke ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Smoke Exposure ◽  
Low Ses ◽  
German Health ◽  
Kiggs Study ◽  
Strengths And Difficulties ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol

Data on the relation between moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and behavioral disorders are inconsistent, and this raises new questions. We examined (1) the association between moderate PAE and problem behaviors and (2) whether these associations differed by levels of socioeconomic status (SES), fetal smoke exposure, or exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Data were taken from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) study. Parents evaluated children’s behaviors using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results showed a slight, but insignificant, increase of problem behaviors in children with moderate PAE. In 3- to 6-year-olds, PAE had a stronger effect on hyperactivity/inattention in combination with fetal smoke exposure (odds ratio = 2.82), than did PAE alone. Effects were not stronger in low-SES children, but they were stronger in children with ETS. We conclude that moderate PAE might have adverse effects on neurodevelopment, with stronger effects in disadvantaged populations. To confirm our preliminary findings, further research should be conducted.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document