Every child and adult deserves to be understood. It’s time to equip our social workers with the knowledge they need to support those living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

My name is Jade and I am an adopted adult and mature student studying Social Work. I experience symptoms consistent with FASD. I also have a sibling with FASD. I’ve witnessed firsthand how this condition impacts every part of life,  from learning to relationships to mental health and how often it is missed, misunderstood and mislabelled.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. It affects brain development, behaviour, learning, and social skills, yet it remains widely overlooked in child protection, education, and mental health systems.

The reality:
- Up to 4% of children in the UK may be affected by FASD - up to double that of autism.
- Nearly 1 in 3 looked-after children in the UK may have FASD, far above the general population. Some research shows it could be as high as 60%.
- A survey by Adoption UK found 25% of adopted children are diagnosed or suspected to have FASD.
- In Peterborough, 75% of children in adoption assessments had possible FASD based on maternal alcohol exposure.
- Yet, only 5% of professionals feel "very prepared" to support someone with FASD.

Recent cuts to the Adoption Support Fund only made it harder for families to access the specialist services they need, making it even more essential that frontline professionals like social workers are equipped to recognise and support children with FASD.

Why social workers?

Social workers are on the frontline, they assess families, supporting placements, and advocating for vulnerable children. But most have never received training in FASD or how to identify and support those affected.

I've seen social workers misinterpret trauma, behaviour, or attachment issues that are actually rooted in FASD. Families are left fighting for diagnoses and support, often feeling blamed instead of helped.

We are calling on:
The Department for Education, Social Work England, and Local Authorities to:

1. Make FASD awareness training mandatory for all social workers, in both university-level education and continuing professional development.
2. Incorporate FASD into safeguarding guidance and social work qualification frameworks.
3. Ensure access to reliable referral pathways, diagnostic tools, and family support services.

Parents have said:
“We were told our child was just badly behaved. It took years to get an FASD diagnosis.”
“Our social worker had never heard of FASD. We had to educate them.”

These families,  like mine, shouldn't be left to struggle alone. We need a workforce that understands FASD and has the tools to advocate effectively for the children they support.

Sign this petition if you believe:
✔️ Every social worker should be trained in FASD
✔️ Families and children deserve timely support and understanding
✔️ FASD awareness should be part of every safeguarding conversation

Together, we can help ensure that no child with FASD falls through the cracks.