Every September, people around the world wear red shoes to show support for people living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Known as Red Shoes Rock, the campaign brings together the FASD community to raise awareness and advocate for change.
Each year, the FASD Hub Australia unites with key organisations to collectively mark this occasion. This year, the collaboration includes the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), the National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Australia (NOFASD), and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and FASD Research Australia NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence.
This FASD Awareness Month, the partnership is highlighting the experiences of children and young people in out of home care (OOHC), who are disproportionately affected by FASD.
National data from the Australian FASD Registry show that only around 20 per cent of children diagnosed with FASD live with a biological parent, meaning approximately 80 per cent are living in foster, kinship, adoptive or other forms of care.
Not all children entering this system are screen and assessed for prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD. Early identification is critical. All children entering OOHC should be screened for prenatal alcohol exposure and neurodevelopmental concerns, with clear referral pathways for FASD assessment when needed. Carers also need access to information, training and ongoing support to help children thrive. It is also important to ensure safeguards are in place for children with disability when they turn 18 and leave the foster care system.
This year’s Red Shoes Rock campaign is a call to action to State, Territory and Federal Governments. By strengthening screening, diagnosis, support for carers and FASD-informed supports across child protection, health and education systems, we can improve outcomes for children and young people in out-of-home care. Achieving this will require ongoing commitment, including the continued implementation of the National FASD Strategic Action Plan through to 2028 and beyond.
Learn more about Red Shoes Rock.
