A content analysis of caregiver perspectives on strengths and protective factors in youth with FASD and criminal legal system involvement

Youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) experience complex challenges and may be at an increased risk of contact with the criminal legal system (CLS). However, youth and their families often have strengths and resources that can be leveraged to support positive outcomes. Research in both the FASD and the youth CLS literatures have been predominantly deficit-focused, research that includes strengths and protective factors presents a more balanced perspective and is being recognized as important for youth with FASD. As such, using a directed content analysis guided by the Values in Action (VIA) character strengths framework, the current study explored the perspectives of caregivers regarding strengths and protective factors present in their youth with FASD and CLS involvement. Caregivers reported on 32 independent youth (87.5% male), all of whom had confirmed or suspected FASD and had current or past involvement with the criminal legal system between the ages of 12 and 24. Caregivers mentioned individual-level strengths and protective factors most frequently, followed by relational/familial level factors and broader contextual level factors. Of the individual-level strengths mentioned, over three quarters (76.4%) fell within the VIA character strengths framework. Results suggest that strengths are present in this population across ecological system levels. Findings contribute to a shared understanding of factors that promote overall wellbeing for youth with FASD and CLS involvement from a caregiver perspective. Approaches promoting strengths use may be an advantageous, under-researched method for enhancing well-being in this population.