FASD and the Mental Capacity Code

CLICK HERE for information on FASD and the Mental Capacity Code

This document is a practical checklist to help ensure mental capacity assessments involving people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) follow the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice.


TEMPLATE LETTER: Parental/legal carer access to over 11s GP records:

This is a template (precedent) letter that parents or carers can use if a GP practice removes or plans to remove their access to a child’s online GP records purely because the child has reached a certain age (often 11–13).

This template is intended to help parents raise the issue clearly and respectfully with their GP practice so that decisions are made based on the child’s individual circumstances rather than a rigid age-based rule.

CLICK HERE for the template letter




FASD Factsheet – Foster Carers

Foster carers have a key role to play in identifying and responding to unmet health needs of children in their care. You may be the first person to recognise that your child has or may have Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

This factsheet has been produced by Velma Eyre and explains:

  • what information about FASD you might receive on placement;
  • why you should discuss FASD at annual medicals;
  • what support a foster child might access if they have or may have FASD;
  • how to access your own support if your foster child has or may have FASD; and
  • where to get further information.

Click to view more –  FASD Factsheet – Foster Care

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Categorized as Other

FASD Factsheet – Special Guardianship Orders

A Special Guardianship Order (SGO) is a legal order made by the Family Court. It places a child or young person to live with someone permanently with the ‘Special Guardian’ until they turn 18 years old.

This factsheet has been produced by Velma Eyre and explains:

  • what an SGO is;
  • how to become a Special Guardian;
  • what an SGO might mean for you and your child.

Click to view more –  FASD Factsheet – Special Guardianship Order (SGO)

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Categorized as Other

FASD Factsheet – Special Educational Needs (“SEN”)

Children with Special Educational Needs (“SEN”) and Disabilities (“SEND”) may need extra help or support at  nursery, school or college.

Children and young persons with FASD may have SEND and are likely to qualify for SEN support.

This factsheet has been produced by Velma Eyre and explains:

  • what SEN is;
  • who ‘diagnoses’ SEN;
  • what SEN support is available;
  • how to get SEN support; and
  • where to go for further information and help.

Click to view more –   FASD Factsheet – SEND Support

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Categorized as Education

FASD Factsheet – Transitioning into adulthood

Parenting a teenager can be challenging and parenting a teenager with FASD can be particularly difficult as they transition into adulthood. 

This factsheet has been produced by Velma Eyre and has information about:

  • the steps you might take during the teenage years to support and prepare your teenager for adulthood.
  • what transition planning is, and the Local Authority’s legal obligations towards young adults and their carers.
  • needs and capacity assessments – what to look out for.
  • options for supported living.
  • the legal routes (power of attorney, appointee, deputy) to support your young adult to manage their affairs.

Click to view more –   FASD Factsheet – Transitioning to Adulthood


FASD Factsheet – The Criminal Justice System

Individuals with FASD are estimated to be over 19 times more likely to encounter the criminal justice system (CJS)  than individuals who do not have FASD.

Police, lawyers and courts generally have very little understanding of FASD.

This factsheet has been produced by Velma Eyre and explains:

  • why an individual with FASD is more at risk of entering the CJS and what makes them vulnerable.
  • how to get support if you or someone you know has FASD and is arrested, in court or in prison.
  • the legal rights of an individual with FASD in the CJS and how to enforce them.
  • what steps a carer can take to help an individual with FASD who is in the CJS.

Click to view more –  FASD Factsheet – the Criminal Justice System


FASD Factsheet – EHCPs

FASD may affect a child’s ability to learn and function in a classroom setting. An Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) may support those children.

This factsheet has been produced by Velma Eyre and explains:

  • what an EHCP is;
  • when an EHCP might help;
  • how to get an EHCP;
  • what to do if you are refused an EHCP; and
    • where to go for further information and support

Click to view more – FASD Factsheet – EHCP

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Categorized as Education

FASD Factsheet – DO I HAVE A DISABILITY?

FASD is a complex disorder with over 400 co-concurring conditions. There is often confusion and frustration surrounding FASD and whether it is a disability and/or learning difficulty.

A ‘diagnosis’ of disability and/or learning difficulty can sometimes determine what support, benefits and legal protections an individual is entitled to.

This factsheet has been produced by Velma Eyre and explores:

  • whether/when FASD is a disability and/or learning difficulty;
  • how individuals with disabilities or learning difficulties are protected;
  • how to access support;
  • how to enforce your legal rights. 

Click to view more – FASD Factsheet – DISABILITY

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Categorized as Disability

FASD Factsheet – Employment Rights

Individuals with FASD have many strengths, skills and abilities to bring to the workplace but the condition may also bring challenges.

This factsheet has been produced by Velma Eyre and explains:

  • the employment rights of those who have FASD;
  • where to get support;
  • how to challenge and enforce those rights.

Click to view more FASD Factsheet – Employment Rights

Published
Categorized as Employment