Drug and Alcohol Exposure
Prenatal Substance Exposure in Foster Care
Many children and youth in foster care have been prenatally exposed to alcohol, opioids, methamphetamine, marijuana, nicotine, or other substances. Prenatal substance exposure can affect physical health, brain development, learning, behavior, emotional regulation, and social functioning. The effects vary widely from child to child and may not become fully apparent until later developmental stages.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term describing a range of lifelong physical, cognitive, behavioral, and developmental disabilities caused by prenatal alcohol exposure.
Recent research continues to show that FASD is significantly overrepresented in the child welfare and foster care population compared to the general population. Studies estimate that children involved in foster care and child welfare systems experience substantially higher rates of prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD than children in the general population, making awareness and early intervention critical.
Common characteristics of FASD may include:
- Difficulty with memory and learning
- Delayed developmental milestones
- Challenges with attention and executive functioning
- Poor impulse control
- Difficulty understanding consequences
- Sensory processing challenges
- Social and emotional regulation difficulties
- Problems with organization, planning, and time management
It is important to recognize that FASD is a brain-based disability rather than a behavioral choice. Children and youth with FASD often benefit from structured environments, consistent routines, specialized educational supports, and trauma-informed parenting approaches.
National Organizations
- FASD United
The leading national nonprofit organization focused on awareness, advocacy, education, and support for individuals and families affected by FASD. - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – FASD Information
Evidence-based information on diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and support services. - National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) Resources Archive
Educational materials specifically relevant to foster, adoptive, and kinship families. Foster and Adoptive Parent Resources
- Child Welfare Information Gateway – Understanding Prenatal Substance Exposure
- National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
Utah Resources
- Utah Department of Health and Human Services
Information on developmental disabilities, behavioral health services, and community supports available to Utah families. - Utah Parent Center
Parent education, advocacy assistance, and support for families raising children with developmental and behavioral challenges.
FAS Site Sponsored by the FAS Community Resource Center