A model protocol is proposed for multidisciplinary assessment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in the forensic context. Used effectively on both sides of the courtroom in the United States in criminal and post-conviction matters in state and federal courts, the model relies on the FASD literature and best-practice standards of care in terms of clinical as well as forensic evaluation. It is suggested that FASD diagnostic criteria for older adolescents and adults in the criminal system may need different emphasis if facial features have diminished with age and confirmation of prenatal exposure is impossible.

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Youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are in a perilous circumstance. FASD is associated with a high rate of self-regulation problems and trouble with the law and is underdiagnosed. Standard juvenile corrections-based interventions often do not meet the needs of these vulnerable youth. This article describes what is known about conduct-disordered adolescents with FASD and the neurocognitive deficits that directly affect emotional and behavioral self-control. The authors propose guidelines for the assessment of FASD within residential treatment settings and analyze interventions that show promise for inpatient treatment of youth with FASD.

Every suicide is a unique tragedy. This article has attempted to provide a framework for understanding suicide as it impacts on the scmunity.ool community. Given this background, we have listed 10 frequent dilemmas faced by pediatricians (and others) who consult to schools. The central themes of the approach offered are to avoid inadvertently glorifying suicide, target high-risk groups for interventions, and consider suicide prevention as part of the broad, ongoing task of providing a caning environment for adolescents in which the collaboration of the school community is essential.

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