Latest quality standard published sets out how health and care services can improve the diagnosis, assessment, and prevention of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

The quality standard highlights five key areas for improvement:

• Pregnant women are given advice throughout pregnancy not to drink alcohol.
• Pregnant women are asked about their alcohol use throughout their pregnancy, and this is recorded.
• Children and young people with probable prenatal alcohol exposure and significant physical, developmental, or behavioural difficulties are referred for assessment.
• Children and young...

Adverse Childhood Experiences are traumatic circumstances or events that occur during childhood. Research that has examined ACEs has pointed to the link between these traumatic events in childhood and the increased risk of negative physical and mental health outcomes throughout the life course. Additionally, there has been research to suggest that children who have been exposed to trauma may be at greater risk of developing problems, such as alcohol and drug use, later on in life.

The list below includes resources and research that outlines the different ACEs and the impact they can have on...

Early experiences and life circumstances shape prenatal and early childhood development, with powerful impacts on the developing brain and body that shape health outcomes across the life course and can span generations. The preconception, prenatal, and early childhood periods are critical phases of development that help set the odds for lifelong health and well-being.

Vibrant and Healthy Kids: Aligning Science, Practice, and Policy to Advance Health Equity outlines the steps needed to move children who are at risk for negative outcomes toward positive health trajectories and reduce health...