Curriculum for Addiction Professionals > Competency 5: Continuing Care of Families Affected by FASD > 6. Issues Related to Professional Values and Ethics
Competency 6: Legal Issues
Issues Related to Professional Values and Ethics
Keeping up-to-date on State and Federal laws related to disabilities and
substance abuse treatment is important. Laws change as administrations and legislators change. The
addiction professional
would be wise to find resources on new legislation, such as the local law library
or the
FindLaw 
Web site.
The addiction professional may face some challenging situations dealing with pregnant
women or clients with an FASD. It is important to maintain a nonjudgmental attitude
and to carefully assess each situation. Being aware of one’s legal obligations,
such as reporting alcohol use during pregnancy, can help. If no obligation exists,
other options might be more effective in encouraging treatment compliance and ongoing
recovery. Protecting children is important but rushing to judgment may do more harm
than good.
It is also important to maintain a nonjudgmental attitude when dealing with clients
with an FASD. They should not be seen as hopeless and doomed to spend time in jail
or to cycle through the justice system. Keeping an open mind and working with court
personnel, such as attorneys and social workers, can help the client with an FASD
remain sober and achieve a healthy outcome, free of legal problems.
Finally, the
addiction professional
needs to be mindful of laws that protect persons with disabilities. Persons with
an FASD can be challenging clients, but they cannot be turned away from treatment
on the basis of their disability. If a facility cannot meet their needs, the
addiction professional
needs to work diligently to find alternatives and make appropriate referrals.