Binge Britain - Significant Harm to the Unborn Child

A range of national and international experts, including Prof. Ian Gilmore, President of the Royal College of Physicians, will gather at Edge Hill University on Monday 8th September 2008, to highlight the needs of children born to mothers who have drunk alcohol or taken drugs during pregnancy.

A recent BBC documentary estimated that there are around 7,000 children living in the UK born with lifelong incurable problems caused by their mother's drinking during pregnancy. Mothers' drug-taking is a factor in a significant proportion of care proceedings, often leading to the permanent removal of those children from their birth family.

The collection of symptoms experienced by the children involved is known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Babies born with FASD may look different facially in severe cases or have behavioural or educational difficulties later in childhood. Matthew, a 15-year-old suffering with FASD, will address the conference.

The day is designed for those working within the field of drugs and alcohol, social workers, health and education professionals, lawyers involved in care proceedings and families and carers. The conference will look at ways in which FASD children with long-term needs can be diagnosed and assisted.

The event will be chaired by Edwina Brocklesby, Director of Parents for Children. Key lectures will include:

• Binge Britain - Prof. Moira Plant, University of Bristol & Director of the Alcohol & Health Research Trust;
• The Foetal Brain and Alcohol (Defining FASD) - Prof. Edward Riley, International FASD Neurodevelopmental Brain Expert, US;
• The Impact of Drugs on the Unborn Child, Support Required from Statutory and Other Bodies;
• The Link with Autism and ADHD, Living with a Child with FAS - Gloria Armistead, Founder FASawareUK;
• Understanding and Managing the FASD Child - Julie Gelo, BSHS/M.

For more information or to attend the conference, please contact Charlotte Lindsell on 020 7520 2880 or email charlotte@parentsforchildren.org.uk by Thursday 4th September 2008.