Witness tells Michigan subcommittee fetal alcohol exposure is preventable cause of developmental disabilities

Jim Casha addressed the subcommittee on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, urging prevention, public education and professional training so affected children are identified and supported rather than misunderstood.

"Fetal alcohol syndrome and the broader range of conditions known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders is the leading known preventable cause of permanent developmental disabilities," Casha said, urging lawmakers to act through prevention and training. He added that foster and adoptive families deserve to know when children were prenatally exposed to alcohol and called for supports for those families.

Casha also asserted that "75% of the foster care population is affected by prenatal alcohol exposure." That figure was presented by the witness as his claim; the committee did not provide data during the hearing to confirm prevalence.

Members thanked Casha for his remarks and did not take action during the session; no steps or funding decisions were recorded.