Legislative Priorities

The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) Advocacy Goals for the 111th Congress

NOFAS LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

FASD LEGISLATION

• Work with Congressional staff to draft legislation addressing increased public awareness and primary prevention of FASD; training for targeted audiences such as practitioners, social workers, educators, law enforcement, court and corrections personnel, members of the military; and enhanced health care, special education and other services for FASD individuals.
• Upon re-introduction of FASD legislation, conduct Senate and House briefings.

INCREASE MEMBERSHIP OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FASD CAUCUS

• The Congressional Caucus on FASD was founded in June 2004, and is cosponsored by Frank Pallone (D-NJ). The Republican co-sponsor is currently open.  
• There are currently 36 members, including 23 Democrats and 13 Republicans.
• The purpose of the caucus is to increase awareness of FASD among policymakers.
• The caucus circulates “Dear Colleague” letters, co-sponsors FASD and other related legislation, holds Congressional briefings, and other awareness raising activities.

REAUTHORIZE THE NATIONAL TASK FORCE ON FAS/FAE

• The National Task Force on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect is a congressionally mandated task force charged with:
  • Advising all governmental agencies, academic bodies, and community groups that conduct or support fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effect research, programs, and surveillance, and
  • Meeting the general needs of populations actually or potentially impacted by fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effect.
  • The task force expired on May 17, 2006.

 

FASD REPORT LANGUAGE IN DEPARTMENTS OF EDUCATION AND JUSTICE BILLS AND OTHER LEGISLATION

• Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Service – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is the leading known preventable cause of intellectual disabilities, learning and behavioral problems and attention disorders. Collect, collate, and disseminate evidence-based practices that are effective in the education and support of children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders in both special and traditional educational settings. Add a link to IDEA that stresses that children with FASD have the right to access to the general curriculum and least restrictive environment.
• Department of Justice – Enhance knowledge and understanding of the consequences and behavioral problems associated with FASD among juvenile and criminal justice system personnel including at the levels of law enforcement, courts and corrections.

INCREASE FUNDING TO NOFAS AND AGENCIES THAT WORK ON FASD ISSUES

• Increase the level of funding received from the federal agencies, for example:
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
  • Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
  • National Institutes of Health  (NIH)