Children’s Commissioner welcomes new FASD Action Plan for systemic change

A new action plan addressing the needs of children, young people and families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Te Iho Tātai-ā-Rongo is being welcomed by Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad on FASD Awareness Day.

Dr Achmad urges commitment and speed in its implementation, and a strong focus on prevention.

Informed by the FASD Te Iho Tātai-ā-Rongo community, the plan sets a clear direction for the next three years focusing on prevention, improved diagnosis and support, and building a more responsive workforce across health, education, justice, and social services.

“This action plan is an important part of the puzzle in recognising and addressing the harms of alcohol, including FASD. The harms of alcohol are significantly affecting the lives of mokopuna and whānau in our country, and it shouldn’t be this way.

“We need to remember that FASD is a preventable disability, which is why it is so important that this plan translates into real action to make a difference in the lives of mokopuna and whānau living with its impacts every day.

“Ensuring that real action flows from this new plan is also crucial given young people with FASD are up to 19 times more likely to be involved with the criminal justice system. Right now we’re missing crucial opportunities to support them and uphold their rights as children, so they can thrive to the fullest.”

Dr Achmad highlights the importance of recognising FASD as a disability in Aotearoa New Zealand, emphasising that its impact on children and young people and their families is lifelong.

“As Children’s Commissioner I am grateful to all of the mokopuna who have generously shared their living experiences of FASD Te Iho Tātai-ā-Rongo with me – and their dreams and their challenges – to build my understanding of what it’s like to live as a young person with this disability. It’s been a privilege too, to meet with many families caring for those with FASD, to understand their needs and aspirations for their mokopuna.

“On FASD Awareness Day today, and recognising we are in FASD Awareness Month, I acknowledge and mihi to the thousands of mokopuna throughout our country living with FASD. I amplify and support the advocacy and mahi of the many mokopuna with FASD who are advocating for positive change, grounded in their own living experience. This includes the mokopuna of the Titoki Rōpū (supported by FASD-CAN) and Hapai Ō (supported by Te Amorangi).

“These mokopuna are sharing important messages and creating spaces of connection, compassion and community for others. Their advocacy and efforts are making a difference, and now we need systemic change to match their level of aspiration.”

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Editor’s note

Find the FASD Action Plan 2025-2028 here.

Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad is the independent advocate for all children under the age of 18 in Aotearoa New Zealand and children and young people under 25 who have been in or who are in care and/or custody. As Children’s Commissioner, Dr Achmad leads the team at Mana Mokopuna – Children’s Commissioner, an independent Crown entity.

The Children’s Commissioner’s role in the oversight of oranga tamariki system is to advocate for the interests, rights and wellbeing of children, and, where needed, help mokopuna and their whānau navigate the system to resolve problems. As an oversight of oranga tamariki system entity, Mana Mokopuna works closely with the two other oversight organisations, Aroturuki Tamariki | Independent Children’s Monitor, and the Office of the Ombudsman.

Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad is available for interviews. For media enquiries, please contact:

Melissa Wastney
029 909 2715