David Swann says better screening for FASD needed before adoption

Liberal leader David Swann says adoptive parents need to have all possibleinformation about any medical conditions the children may have prior to adoption,including fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Swann says there needs to be a review of the policies dealing with medical disclosure in adoption cases.

Hiscall follows areport by CBC news that a Calgary couple were unable to deal with behavioural problems in their two adopted daughters as a result of undisclosed fetal alcohol syndrom disorder (FASD).

• Alberta couple blindsided after adopted girls turn out to have fetal alcohol disorder
• Couple frustrated by lack of FASD disclosure in adoption aren't alone, Calgary woman says

"Very clearly this is a fundamental right of parenting, to know as much as is possible before they launch into a major life commitment," said Swann.

Swann says it's critical for parents to have the information, not only because it affects their capacity as parents, but also because of the need for transparency in the process.

"It's about honesty and fairness to the parents," he said.

'It's a concerning situation,' says minister

The province's minister of human services, Irfan Sabir, said the department passes on all the information ithas about a child's medical condition prior to adoption. But he acknowledges there is some concern that this is not always the case.

"It's a concerning situation because these parents are doing a very important job and they are making a difference in the lives of the kids, and we will make sure that the parents' concerns are addressed, [that] they are provided with the information they need to make an informed decision." he said.

Sabiradded the department has ongoing support for adoptive parents.