Lay summary
Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are likely to be over-represented yet under-detected in the youth justice setting. One to three in every 100 births are affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. In incarcerated populations (including adult and youth justice settings) these estimates are 10-36 per 100. New Zealand (NZ) offers no specialised health services for the unique needs of these individuals, despite its impact on health outcomes. Without appropriate interventions, individuals with FASD face challenges for themselves, whānau and society. We propose to 1) determine the prevalence of FASD among NZ Youth Justice population; 2) identify the unique needs of children living with FASD in Oranga Tamariki (OT) care, and 3) design appropriate services and clinical practice guidelines to address unmet needs in collaboration with YJ staff, our Kaitiaki (Māori Governance Group), FASD experts, carers and whānau of young people diagnosed with FASD.