Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. I have questions for the Minister of Justice. In my Member's statement, I talked about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. I'd like to ask the Minister if the Department of Justice knows the prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in the Corrections system. Thank you.
Masi. Minister of Justice.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Certainly, we know it is an issue in Corrections. However, not all of those with this condition are diagnosed, and I don't think we would have an exact count as to the number of people who are suffering from FASD. The Member opposite is quite correct that often they do come into contact with the justice system, but securing a diagnosis is a complex and costly process. An FASD diagnosis is not required for an individual with complex needs to access service, so as I say, diagnosis is difficult, but we do realize this is a problem in Corrections and in society generally, Mr. Speaker.
I realize the prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is difficult. It's like that right across the country. I'd like to ask the Minister if he would commit to working with the Department of Health and Social Services or hire an expert in identification of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Certainly, I would be very happy to work with the Minister of Health and Social Services with respect to this issue, and I understand from some information provided to me by him that his department fully realizes this is an important issue. I note that, in 2018-2019, to enhance services for autism and FASD, they invested $848,000, or we as a government did, so both in Corrections and in Health and Social Services we do realize this is an important issue.
I'd like to ask the Minister if he can commit to creating or developing programs that are targeted to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder that can be delivered in Corrections facilities on I suppose at this point it would be a voluntary basis, but if the Minister would commit to developing such a program. I think the money that was there that may not be there anymore would be something that could be used to develop these programs.
I don't think I can commit to the creation or development of such a program at this time. There may be certain costs involved that we would have to look into. However, I do recognize that this is an important issue and will consider the question posed by the Member opposite.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I understand that there was an individual who was in place to develop programs targeted at that. Maybe there was some issue. I'd like to ask the Minister if the Minister is prepared to have the department look at the programs generally that are being delivered to see if the people who are afflicted with this disorder will be benefitting from the programs that are delivered in the Corrections system. Thank you.
Certainly in the department we're always looking at our programs that are delivered to those in custody with a view of improving their lives and hoping to rehabilitate them so they can re-join society. Looking at the programs is an ongoing process, and obviously we will continue to do that. Thank you.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Mackenzie Delta.
