Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and FASDs Resource Collection

The Caring for Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and FASDs in Child Welfare Resource Collection helps child welfare professionals recognize the signs of prenatal alcohol exposure and support families in accessing services to improve outcomes.


Project Background

This resource collection was developed as part of the Identification and Care of Children With Prenatal Alcohol and Other Drug Exposures: Prevention Strategies Project (opens in a new tab) through an Inter-Agency Agreement between the Administration for Children and Families and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (IAA#19FED1916928DDB).

This project expands on the Prenatal Alcohol and Other Drug Exposures in Child Welfare (opens in a new tab) project, which raised the need for child welfare staff to have available information, resources, and skills to engage and support families of children with prenatal alcohol exposure in accessing services.

To address this need, the project identified evidence-informed resources and developed and tested new resources to support child welfare professionals in identifying and caring for children with prenatal alcohol exposure and FASDs.  Learn more about the Identification and Care of Children With Prenatal Alcohol and Other Drug Exposures: Prevention Strategies Project (opens in a new tab).

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and FASDs

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (opens in a new tab), or FASDs, are a group of conditions that can happen to someone exposed to alcohol before birth, which is called "prenatal alcohol exposure." People with FASDs can have challenges that last their whole lives, affecting how they behave, learn, and grow physically. Everyone with an FASD is unique and has areas of both strength and challenge. 

  • FASDs affect all communities. FASDs can occur across all backgrounds and social groups. 
  • There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Because the brain and organs develop throughout pregnancy, alcohol exposure at any stage (even small amounts) can cause lasting effects.
  • Early diagnosis and support are key. Early intervention and tailored supports can improve a child's well-being and ability to navigate daily life.
  • Children with FASDs are overrepresented in the child welfare system. Prevalence of FASDs is high among children involved in child welfare. Children with prenatal alcohol exposure and FASDs can be at an increased risk of out-of-home placement.

How to Use This Resource Collection

Resources in this collection are designed to strengthen and support child welfare casework practice to utilize FASD-informed, family-centered, and strengths-based approaches. The Resource Collection is organized around a four-part, family-focused framework to help child welfare professionals:

This collection offers practice guides, tip sheets, and e-learning modules to equip professionals and families with actionable strategies. By integrating these resources into daily practice, agencies can provide more effective support, improve outcomes for children and youth, and contribute to an FASD-informed child welfare system. Learn more about how to get started using the tools and resources included in the Caring for Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and FASDs in Child Welfare Resource Collection Overview.

 

Acknowledgements

The resources in this collection were developed by the expertise and living experiences of child welfare professionals, subject matter experts, and families and caregivers of children with alcohol exposure before birth and FASDs. Their insights helped shape materials that reflect real-world challenges and offer practical, family-focused solutions.

The Children’s Bureau at the Administration for Children and Families and the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extend deep appreciation to all those who contributed their time, knowledge, and perspectives to this collection. This work would not have been possible without their commitment to improving support for children and families.

Special thanks to the child welfare professionals and many others who generously shared their knowledge to strengthen these resources (opens in a new tab).

This collection exists because of the dedication of child welfare staff, families and caregivers, and advocates working to create better outcomes for children with FASDs and their families. The hope is that these resources will expand awareness of the effects of alcohol exposure before birth, strengthen services and support, and help all children with FASDs reach their full potential.