Too many children with fetal alcohol syndrome grow up to become adults in trouble with the law, 60% in fact. Parents feel like there is little help to take control and keep their children out of trouble. That may be changing thanks to Illinois legislation sponsored by Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). The proposed Illinois bill, as explained in the Chicago Tribune June 1, 2007, would give parents the option of guardianship which up to now had not been available for the parents of young adults with FAS. This would allow parents to care for the financial and personal interests of the adult with FAS (called the ward), if a judge determined that the ward could not make sound decisions. It is important to mention that becoming a guardian to an adult with disabilities does not make the guardian responsible for the wards debts or actions, but does give the guardian authority to care for the personal and financial interests of the ward. As of July 5, 2007 this bill had passed through both houses and was sent to the Governor.
For those in States other than Illinois, this legislation could be used as a model to protect individuals with FAS.