Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act

Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to revise and extend the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) programs (as renamed under this Act, previously the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect programs). The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must: (1) carry out research on FASD; (2) facilitate surveillance, public health research, and prevention of FASD; and (3) continue the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

HHS must provide financial assistance to: (1) establish or expand state FASD programs; (2) implement best practices to educate children with FASD and educate members of the criminal justice system and adoption or foster care agency officials on FASD; (3) provide transitional services for those affected by prenatal alcohol exposure; (4) develop public service announcements on the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy; (5) increase awareness of FASD in federally qualified health centers; and (6) provide respite care for caretakers, recruit mentors, and provide educational and supportive services to families of individuals with FASD.

The Government Accountability Office must make recommendations regarding the responsibilities of federal entities regarding FASD.

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services of the Department of Education must conduct training on FASD surveillance and disseminate best practices in the education and support of children with FASD.

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the Department of Justice must: (1) implement FASD screening procedures, (2) conduct training on surveillance and on identification and support of individuals with FASD, and (3) study the inadequacies of the current system.