TACT to give evidence at inquiry into the Picture of FASD in the UK Today

Public Hearings

6pm on Tuesday 10th November 2015

Committee Room 18, House of Commons.

Fostering charity The Adolescent and Children’s Trust (TACT), will be the only social work organisation giving evidence at the Inquiry into the Picture of FASD (foetal alcohol spectrum disorders) in the UK Today at the House of Commons on 10 November.

FASD affects thousands of babies born in the UK every year, yet it is not often spoken about, the potential dangers of alcohol consumption in pregnancy are not fully discussed and hardly any specialist support exists for those living with FASD.

“As the only social work organisation invited to give evidence to the APPG for FASD, TACT will provide a distinctive voice on behalf of children in care and social work in general, about the many issues relating to FASD.” said Andy Elvin, TACT CEO.

This Inquiry has heard from children and young people living with FASD and their parents / carers and now it will hold two public hearings taking expert evidence from the medics, social workers and teachers seeking to support children / young people living with FASD; views from the alcohol industry, midwifery, British Pregnancy Advisory Service and receive evidence on how other countries are responding to this issue.

“It is my hope that by forming the APPG for Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, colleagues will have a clear platform from which to influence Government thinking: to raise public awareness of the dangers of drinking during pregnancy; to support children damaged by alcohol during pregnancy; and to reduce the incidence of this tragically avoidable condition.” – Bill Esterson MP, Chair of APPG for FASD

Following these hearings a report with recommendations to the Government on what action could be taken will be published on 15th December 2015.

In addition to TACT, evidence on 10th November will be heard from Prof Sir Al Aynsley-Green, President, BMA; Anne-Marie Winstone, Research Midwife (public health), Addenbrookes Hospital, Brian Roberts, Field of Enterprise Training & Former Virtual Head Teacher for Looked After Children.

For TACT media enquiries, interviews etc., please contact Laura Luxton, TACT communications on mobile: 07793580418 or email:[email protected]

For more FASD APPG information, interviews etc., please contact Julia Brown on 07748179328 or Annabel Blair/Stefan Lang at [email protected]

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

The current members of the APPG are:

Bill Esterson MP, Chair

Fiona Bruce MP, Vice Chair

Graham Evans MP, Secretary

Tim Loughton MP, Treasurer

Baroness Sheila Hollins, Member

Derek Twigg MP, Member

Kelvin Hopkins MP, Member

Andrew Gwynne MP, Member

Richard Bacon MP, Member

Andrew Smith MP, Member

Nigel Huddlestone MP, Member

Fiona McTaggart MP, Member

For more information on the APPG see www.appg-fasd.org.uk

For more information on FASD, see www.fasdtrust.co.uk

and www.oxfordfoundation-fasd.com.

The World Health Organization estimates 1% prevalence rate, but this is widely believed to be an under-estimate; this equates to 6,985 babies born in England & Wales in 2014 could have FASD.

Some populations, including children in care are disproportionately affected, with UK and international research showing 30% to 50% potentially being affected by FASD. For the latest UK evidence see http://baaf.org.uk/journal.