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FAS Screening Program for Children in Foster Care
Core Function: Technical Assistance and Outreach Training
In 1996, the FAS DPN developed the FAS Facial Photographic Analysis Software (Astley & Clarren, 1996, 2001; Astley et al., 2002; Astley, 2004). The software is used to measure the magnitude of expression of the three facial features of FAS (small eyes, a smooth philtrum and a thin upper lip). FAS is characterized by growth deficiency, a unique cluster of minor facial anomalies, central nervous system damage/dysfunction, and prenatal alcohol exposure. The FAS face is the only feature that is unique to FAS, thus it serves as an ideal feature to use for screening at-risk populations.
Since 1999, the FAS Facial Photographic Analysis Software has been used to screen all children entering long-term care in the King County Foster Care Passport Program. Standardized digital facial photographs are obtained and measured by the University of Washington FAS DPN Clinic. Children who present with all three FAS facial features (defined by a Rank 4 Face in the FASD 4-Digit Diagnostic Code) screen positive for FAS and receive a full diagnostic evaluation at the Clinic using the FASD 4-Digit Diagnostic Code. Over 2,000 children have been screened to date, with 98% participation of the eligible population. The prevalence of FAS in this foster care population is 1 out of every 100.
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