Research highlights the connection between FASD and interactions with law enforcement and the criminal justice system. While these statistics may spark concern, they emphasize an important point. How do we make these systems more FASD-informed to ensure support for those living with FASD? To discuss this, FASD United interviewed Brian Holloman, the patrol division captain for the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office in Indiana; he has been with the sheriff’s office for almost 30 years. In addition, Brian is a father to his son (now twenty-three), with FASD.
“I first heard about it (FASD) through course of study, it’s one of those things that comes up and is unfortunately associated with criminal behaviors,” Brian states. Through his educational experience in both undergraduate and master’s programs, to then teaching in the justice sphere, he was able to learn about FASD in broad strokes. Then, it hit home, “Our son, whom we had adopted out of our local foster system…he was developing at his own pace, his own rate.” He recalls using the school bus as motivation for potty training, and that his son seemed more interested in the social aspects of school over the educational ones, “It became evident he was falling further behind as far as academically and in emotional levels.” The school had not yet become concerned by these struggles and assured them that “everyone marches to their own drum.”
As middle school arrived, “eventually we got him into therapy because he was dealing with so many emotional outbursts,” which included traits of depression. “It was after one of his therapy sessions that his counselor pulled his mom aside and inquired if we had ever heard of fetal alcohol syndrome,” which Brian had indeed heard about, but hadn’t yet considered. Moving to a geneticist, they were able to attain an FASD diagnosis for their son.
Within the law enforcement space, Brian has become FASD-informed and now educates on the realities of the diagnosis. “Sometimes I get frustrated because I see it from the personal side of things,” it can be the case that people with FASD find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time or with the wrong people. “As a dad, but also as law enforcement, I can’t stand people that take advantage of other people,” He mentions his son’s wallet where an FASD card can be found and used to help in interactions with law enforcement. Unfortunately, Brian notes that there are times when officers have not read the card or dismissed it. He also notes that this does not reduce the importance of having one.
For people with FASD and interactions with police, Brian encourages them to have their FASD card that can be shown to officers or relevant justice officials outlining FASD, their rights, and who to contact (such as parent or guardian). “It goes towards my son’s benefit. That wallet card, to me, is very important.” He also encourages role-playing situations that follow: “officer, questions, card” to help his son remember what to do in situations that involve law enforcement- even if as a witness. “It’s just the written form of I’m invoking my rights as a citizen, and if you need anything more from me–contact my guardians,” he says.
“I’m a firm believer in treating everyone the same way as individuals,” Brian utilizes the example of speaking slowly to help those with disabilities (like FASD) understand deeper and follow along in stressful interactions. “Why don’t we slow down when we’re talking to everybody, why don’t we use more simple terms when we’re talking to everybody as police officers? Those that need that extra support, they’re getting it, those that don’t- who does it hurt?” Brian wants to encourage law enforcement to learn about what to look for with FASDs to make the system more informed and accommodating.
As far as the pitfalls of the criminal justice system with regard to FASD, Brian notes “An overall lack of understanding. We don’t talk about the fact that when you look at developmental disabilities, those with FASDs are overrepresented in the justice system. They’re overrepresented with suicide and attempted suicide statistics. There’s no real push or emphasis to learn.” The unique areas within criminal justice need to understand the nuances of the fetal alcohol spectrum and those living within it. “It’s not that they can’t “be punished” if you will, in the eye of the justice system, but if you’re looking for that punishment to have the result to prevent future things, that’s most likely not going to happen.” Brian wants to cast a wider net, ask more meaningful questions, and have all of the spheres of justice communicate to better support those with FASDs.
“I’m all about the ‘why can’t we just educate people’ model,” Brian has put together a class on FASD that he attempted to share with the prosecutor’s office who turned it away because it is a “defense issue.” “It frustrates me that you can’t just get these folks to understand why it’s important to them.” Everyone knows someone with an FASD, whether the person is aware or not. The multi-faceted impacts of FASD across disciplines, within and outside of criminal justice, are something we at FASD United wholeheartedly believe in promoting. Brian too, discusses some success at the local level with “getting folks to participate in learning,” through different trainings, classes, and talks within crisis intervention, family and court systems, and investigations. “It’s gaining more awareness,” Brian states hopefully, “that’s the key, you’ve got to start somewhere.”
“Ultimately, a huge undertaking or challenge, as we know with FASD is about support.” Brian mentions recidivism and the unfortunate “revolving door” offenders become comfortable or familiar with. “How do you break that side of things? Break human nature– and build the supports away from what they’re comfortable with.” He provides solutions like suitable housing, employment opportunities, recreational outlets, and community ties to address this challenge.
As a final note on people with FASD, Brian says this: “They’re loving, giving folks, they’re just like everybody else in the world, they want to be a part of something. Give them the opportunity, but don’t take advantage.” Brian celebrates his son’s willingness to forgive and start fresh each day, “to me, it’s like a gift. I wish at times he would appreciate it more, the perseverance…So many of these “negative” traits, channeled actually become things everyone else aspires to possess.” It is clear Brian Holloman has respect for this disability as both a father and as an officer. By applying what he’s learned to his profession, he is helping make the world a better, more FASD-informed place one step at a time.