Whakakotahitanga Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Guidelines Launched

Māori Public Health Organisation, Hāpai Te Hauora,
released the Whakakotahitanga Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
Disorder Guidelines, alongside the Government who announced
its renewed priorities for FASD this morning at Papakura
Marae.

Supported by a Steering Group and multiple
advisory groups, the approach to developing the guidelines
included co-design with lived experience whānau and health
professionals. This process highlighted the importance of Te
Tiriti o Waitangi, Māori understandings of health, and
whānau voice.

Jacqui Harema, CEO of Hāpai Te Hauora,
stated that months of research, steering group advice, and
whānau interviews have produced a clear mandate from the
community that the time to address and support whānau is
long overdue.

“Every year, up to 3,000 of our babies
are born with FASD. These new guidelines will hopefully
establish a clear assessment and diagnosis pathway that will
lead to more support. Additionally, today’s announcement
by Minister Shane Reti will bring relief to all involved
because while FASD is officially recognised as a disability,
there is no access to funding to support
families.”

A.J. Fitzgerald, District, Family, and
Youth Court Judge and Patron of FASD-CAN, highlights the
importance of these guidelines for whānau:

“Part of
the injustice for those with FASD is that they are the
innocent victims of a preventable disability. Another
injustice for them, and for the whole community, is that
this disability is capable of being well managed with
appropriate support and services. If those were provided,
the affected people would be able to lead happy, fulfilled
lives.”

Tony Kake, CEO of Papakura Marae, quickly
agreed to hosting the launch of these guidelines at the
marae today, as he has firsthand experience with
FASD.

“Our whangai boy came to us as at the age of
four. We knew instantly he had issues as his behaviours were
not that of a normal four-year-old boy and it wasn’t until
he was seven years old that we finally got a formal FASD
diagnosis. Fundamentally what works best for our boy with
FASD is an environment with structure, routine and minimal
changes. He knows he’s safe, he isn’t moving from house
to house and that he is loved”.

Mr Kake feels
reassured by the new guidelines and the Government
refocussing on FASD whānau.

“I welcome any support
particularly as he transitions into adulthood because we
have hope, we have commitment and a belief that he can
change the world – for the better!!!”

Hāpai te Hauora
look forward to sharing Whakakotahitanga widely with
clinicians and professionals who are committed to supporting
whanau with FASD diagnosis. The full document is available
to view now at www.hapai.co.nz.

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