Curriculum for Addiction Professionals > Competency 5: Continuing Care of Families Affected by FASD > 7c. Potential Risks for Child Abuse in Families
Competence 5: Continuing Care of Families Affected by FASD
Continuing Care Services for Clients with Children with an FASD or Possible FASD,
Continued
Potential Risks for Child Abuse in Families
Parental substance abuse is associated with a more than twofold increase in the
risk of exposure to both childhood physical and sexual abuse.11
In addition, children with physical, psychological, and sensory disabilities are
known to be more vulnerable to violence and maltreatment or to be at a greater risk
of these forms of abuse.12 Children
with an FASD have disabilities and generally have at least one parent with substance
abuse problems, thus increasing the risk of abuse.
Children with an FASD may have multiple disabilities, such as vision problems,
behavior problems, and
sensory integration issues.
Parents may find the child’s behavior baffling, frustrating, and overwhelming
and may have difficulty finding appropriate ways to manage the child’s environment
and behavior. The addiction professional needs to be alert to the possibility of
child abuse in such families and provide referrals to appropriate counseling and
parenting classes.