A major step forward in supporting whānau living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is underway, with the launch of Aotearoa’s first community-based assessment, diagnosis and support hubs.
Backed by a $9 million Government investment over three years, the new pilot programme will establish specialist hubs in Ahuriri/Napier, Rotorua/Kawerau and Tairāwhiti/Gisborne. The initiative delivers on a key commitment within the FASD Action Plan 2025–2028 and is funded through the Alcohol Levy.
The services were officially launched in Gisborne by Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey, bringing together organisations that have long advocated for improved access to diagnosis and ongoing support for individuals and whānau affected by FASD.
FASD-CAN Aotearoa says the hubs represent a significant milestone after years of campaigning for more accessible services. The organisation says many families have faced lengthy waiting lists, high assessment costs and limited access to specialist support, creating barriers to diagnosis and intervention.
Current estimates suggest fewer than five percent of people living with FASD in Aotearoa have received a formal diagnosis, despite diagnosis playing a crucial role in helping individuals understand how they learn, process information and build on their strengths.
In Napier, FASD-CAN will partner with Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri and Hawke’s Bay Child Development Services to deliver local services, combining clinical expertise with lived experience and whānau-centred support.
Beyond assessment and diagnosis, the hubs will also focus on strengthening knowledge across health, education and social services by providing workforce development and encouraging more FASD-informed practice across sectors.
The three-year pilot will undergo an independent evaluation, with the findings expected to help shape the future rollout of the FASD Action Plan and determine how similar services could be expanded across Aotearoa.
For many whānau, the new hubs represent an opportunity to access earlier support, reduce barriers to care and improve long-term outcomes for those living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
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