Decolonising Justice for Aboriginal youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

This book explores the impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) on Aboriginal children, young people, and their families, and the criminal justice system's response to these issues. It advocates for diversion into Aboriginal community-managed programs and non-adversarial courts to lower incarceration rates and improve outcomes for vulnerable youth.

Format: Hardback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive and multidisciplinary book delves into the multifaceted issues surrounding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and their impact on Aboriginal children, young people, and their families within the criminal justice system. It offers a thorough analysis of the various aspects related to FASD, including its prevalence, diagnosis, sentencing, and the need for culturally secure training for custodial officers.

The book adopts a decolonizing approach, emphasizing the potential for increased diversion into Aboriginal community-managed, on-country programs. This innovative approach is facilitated through technological advancements at the point of first contact with the police and non-adversarial, needs-focused courts. By bringing together experts from criminology, Aboriginal justice, law, pediatrics, social work, and Indigenous mental health and well-being, the book provides a rich tapestry of knowledge and insights.

The authors argue forcefully for a radical recalibration of both theory and practice in the realm of diversion, intervention, and the role of courts. They advocate for reducing incarceration rates significantly by empowering Aboriginal communities and families to construct the social and cultural scaffolding necessary to support vulnerable youth. They also highlight the importance of early diagnosis and assessment of FASD, as it holds the potential to improve the life chances of Aboriginal youth and their families.

Through its exploration of how the mainstream criminal justice system often exacerbates adverse outcomes for children with FASD and their families, this innovative book offers valuable insights to researchers and students worldwide interested in criminal and social justice. It sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by these individuals and provides practical solutions to address the systemic issues at play. By advocating for a more compassionate and inclusive approach, this book contributes to the ongoing efforts to promote the well-being and rights of Aboriginal communities.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 143 x 223 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367351090