Teens and Beyond: a guide to life transitions with FASD

You have no doubt already experienced the challenge of transitions through life so far with your young person with FASD. Moving through schools, classes, or even just from one activity to another can be hard. However, the transition to adulthood may be your greatest challenge yet! 

We are here to help. This special ‘Teens and Beyond’ resource project is loaded with links to government, agency or other service provider websites to give young adults with FASD and their whānau and caregivers a solid overview of the support available in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Teens and Beyond: Introduction

Supporting the Transition to Adulthood 

Transition planning is an important step to help adjust to the next stage of your child’s life. Your rangatahi / young adult may have a strong desire to live independently because they hear their peers talk about moving out of their family homes. There’s a lot to consider when planning the transition into adulthood.

Here are a few points to consider:

Start planning well before they turn 18

Keep in mind that although 18 is often used as a benchmark for adulthood, you must assess your teen’s developmental age, as they may be developmentally much younger. When appropriate, there are steps you can take to prepare them (and you) for this major change. Click here to go to Care Matters, a NZ website that talks in more detail about what makes for successful transitions.

Find out what your young person’s hopes and dreams are for the future

Sit down and have a good chat about what's to come and get their input about their own future. For inspiration follow these links:

Me and my FASD – we are awesome
Care Matters Vision Planning Resource.

If your rangatahi has a support system in place at kura/school or through other groups and services, include them in the transition planning. Help them gain more understanding and acceptance of the type of support they may need in adulthood. 

Interdependence vs. Independence

Realistically your teenager will probably need support throughout their transition stage, so rather than having a goal of independent adulthood, FASD-CAN promotes interdependence - knowing it’s okay to ask for the help you need. Or you might like to say they will be as independent as possible, given their unique limitations and challenges.



NOTE: When using this guide, please remember that most services in Aotearoa are not FASD-informed – they don’t understand what FASD is, or how best to support individuals living with the disorder. 

So when engaging with any service provider, it may help to ask up front, “What do you know about FASD?” then decide whether their services will, or will not, be a ‘good fit’ or suitable for your loved one with their unique strengths and challenges.

FASD-CAN recommends that a support person be available when the young person accesses this resource due to the amount of information involved.

Now you are 18: The Law

At 18, you are now legally in control of your own life… exciting, huh?

YES! There are many decisions that you can now make on your own. But wait! There is a bit more to it...

Once you are 18, the law says you are responsible for ALL the choices, the decisions and agreements you make.

As an adult, you are expected to know the rules and the law. ‘Not knowing’ the rules and the law will not excuse you for breaking the law. It’s important to have the right knowledge and support.

Part of living with FASD is the difficulty of knowing how to respond to adult-world information to make good choices and decisions. Planning for the results, or consequences, of those choices can be difficult too. It’s important to know how to ask for help and set yourself up for success.

It’s ok to ask for help. In fact, everyone needs some help when starting out in the adult world.

Remember – it’s better to ask someone for help BEFORE making a tricky decision, rather than needing to ask for help when you’re in trouble!

Adulthood comes with many decisions that must often be made quickly and may often have serious consequences if you get it wrong.

Some consequences of getting things wrong may include:

  • losing your place to live
  • owing money you can’t afford to pay back
  • missing deadlines and missing out
  • being stuck in contracts you don’t want to be in
  • paying fines
  • losing your stuff (possessions)
  • getting in trouble with police, facing court and maybe even jail.

So being prepared with information and support to deal with these decisions helps to navigate clear pathways to success.

It’s true that as an adult you can do many things without asking permission, it’s also true that we all need guidance when learning how to live in the adult world.

This is especially true if you’re  living with FASD. It can be confusing! 

Use the tabs below to find out more.

As you grow up, the law gives you different rights and responsibilities, depending on how old you are. 

Once you are 18:

You can choose new styles of clothing and hair colour to express yourself.

This can be fun – and it’s easy to change your mind to try something different.

You can also change your appearance in ways that are more permanent, like tattoos and piercings.

These changes are permanent (or very expensive to reverse if you change your mind!). They can lead to health concerns if done incorrectly – you’ll want to make sure you take time to think through these decisions and make sure they are done safely and professionally.

You can buy alcohol and go to a public bar.

Remember: you can be arrested for being a nuisance, being intoxicated and disorderly in public, and you can also be permanently banned from venues or even detained:  Moderation is important and saying no is an option, being drunk can make you do things you normally wouldn’t and make you unsafe.  Alcohol is known to cause harm to your health and your relationships. Alcohol & Drug Helpline

You can buy cigarettes.

But do you really want to? They are addictive and will mess up your health and make you much poorer than you need to be. You can ask your GP for help to quit, or call Quitline.

You can buy a can of spray paint.

It is illegal to spray paint anything other than your personal property unless with the clear permission of the owner.

You can enter into contracts with service providers or others.

You will be held legally responsible for any agreement you make or contract you sign - even if you didn’t read it, and even if you didn’t understand it. For example, if you borrow money, rent a flat or set up your phone or power you are locked in. It’s best to ask a trusted friend of family member before you sign anything – always.

You can get married without anyone’s permission.

Remember: marriage and civil unions are legal contracts in AoNZ. There are serious restrictions and consequences. Ending a relationship is much more difficult when married and you can be held responsible for debts and contracts your spouse signs. It is usual for people to seek advice before getting married.

You can make a valid will.

A will sets out who will get your belongings if you die. However, unless you own property or other expensive items, you may not need to. 

You can change your name legally without anyone’s permission.

You can apply for a New Zealand passport without anyone’s permission.

You can engage in sexual activity.

As long as all the people involved are 18 or over and have consented. You must understand the meaning and laws of consent – no means no! 

You can be taken to the adult courts if you break the law. 

Even if you didn’t know that what you did was breaking the law.

You can be sent to an adult jail for an offence.

Even if you didn’t mean to break the law, or if you were just following along, or even if you didn’t understand what was happening.

For a list of some other key legal differences at different ages that you might find interesting and important, click here: Legal Ages - YouthLaw.

If you are drunk or under the influence of other drugs, and you are causing a nuisance in a public place (like on a street or a park) or in a licensed place (like a bar or club), you are breaking the law.

Using swear words or insults, behaving violently, destroying property, or acting indecently are all offences and you can be arrested and charged.

You need to know that police can detain you (put you in a cell at the police station) if they believe:

  • You are behaving badly and could cause harm to property, yourself or others
  • You need protection because you are too drunk

Police and club security guards can use 'reasonable force' to remove you from places and you may be banned permanently from that place.

You can be charged with a criminal drug offence if you:

• possess a prohibited drug, in your pocket or room, in a locker that you use or a bag that you give to a friend. You can be charged even if the drugs belong to someone else but you have possession of them.

• possess property that police believe could be used to commit a drug offence.

• are carrying a prohibited drug yourself or supplying it to others.

 

A general rule for any young person with (or without!) FASD is to try and remember to stop and think before doing something which may be illegal, or might get you in trouble. If you think it might not be a great idea, you’re probably right. 

A criminal conviction can go on your record for life – it can have consequences such as not being able to get a job you want or not being able to travel overseas to some countries. Ask a trusted adult or support person if you are not sure.

Identification, Checks and Licences

Proving your identity, or who you say you are, is important when you’re an adult.  Here are the most common forms of identification (ID) in Aotearoa NZ. 

Note: you may have to pay for some forms of ID. 

Birth Certificate

NZ birth certificates are a record of your birth. If you don’t currently have one or have lost it, you can order one online. You’ll need this if you want a passport to travel overseas.

There is a fee for this service - $33 for a standard birth certificate.

Order a birth certificate | New Zealand Government

Photo Identification – Kiwi Access Card

A Kiwi Access Card (which replaces the 18+ card) is a form of legal photo ID that proves your identity and age. If you don’t have a valid passport and/or driver licence, a Kiwi Access Card is the ideal form of ID recognised in Aotearoa NZ. You can apply at some NZ Post stores, and it will get mailed to you within 2-3 weeks. You'll need a few things to take with you when you apply so click here for more info before you start: ID – NZ Post

There is a fee for this service. 

RealMe® 

RealMe® is a government-grade login and verified identity service. It is a secure login service that lets people access online government services using a single username and password. The verified identity service allows customers to easily and securely prove their identity online. RealMe® is a part of the Department of Internal Affairs.

What you can do with RealMe®

You can use RealMe® to log securely into online services such as your Inland Revenue account, and to renew or replace your passport. Some organisations need only a RealMe login, and for others you need to set up a RealMe® verified identity.

Where to use RealMe — RealMe Tēnei Au

With a RealMe® verified identity to prove who you are online, you can:

  • open a bank account
  • apply for a replacement driver licence
  • enrol to vote.

You can also apply to verify your address to prove where you live to any organisation that uses RealMe®.
Note: You may need to update your information, for example if you change address or mobile phone number.

There is no fee for this service.

 

Criminal Record Check

A criminal record check (or ‘police check’) is sometimes required before starting work. It is called a “Criminal History & Background Check NZ”. This link will take you to a government website that explains what criminal record checks are all about: Telling someone about your criminal record | New Zealand Government

Click here to apply for a copy of your own criminal record check. You must provide an acceptable type of ID, such as NZ or Overseas Passport, NZ or Australian driver license or NZ firearms license. The information provided in the request must match the ID provided.

There is no fee for this service.

CVCheck

Another way of checking your criminal record is via CVCheck – a secure online service, which uses RealMe® ID. There is a fee for CVCheck services.

Click here to go to the CVCheck website. 

There is a fee for CVCheck services.

Children’s Worker Safety Checks

Any adult working with people under 18 must have a ‘Children’s Worker Safety Check’. This must be reviewed and submitted to ACC every three years. Find out more details about this check and watch a three-minute video that explains what’s required to work with children in Aotearoa NZ on the ACC website here: Children’s Worker Safety Checks.

You can use the CVCheck website to do Children’s Worker Safety Checks too – click here to go to the CVCheck website.

There is a fee for CVCheck services.

As well as being very helpful for transport, a driver’s licence is an excellent form of ID – and you can apply for it before you turn 18. 

This application has a fee.

You must be 16 years old to apply for a learner licence in AoNZ.

There are three stages to getting your driver's licence to keep you and others safe while you get better at driving a car:

  1. Learner licence
  2. Restricted licence
  3. Full licence.

Each stage has specific rules to follow. For example, as a learner driver you are not allowed to drive alone unless you have someone with their full licence in the car. On your restricted licence you are not allowed to drive with others in the car with you, and you are not allowed to drive after 10pm. And you are definitely not allowed to drink ANY alcohol before you drive. 

Remember, if you’re under 20 years of age, there is a ZERO alcohol limit when driving. This means if you drive after having just one drink, you can be charged with drink-driving. This can also affect you the morning after a big night out!

Follow these links for more details:

Driver licences | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

How to get a learner licence | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Conditions of a learner licence | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

This link explains what might happen if you break the rules as a learner: Learner licence demerit points and fines | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Once you finish your restricted driving stage and pass the final test, you are considered to know how to drive safely, and you get your full  licence.

• The NZTA app provides simple and secure ways for New Zealanders to access their licence and vehicle information and make payments. More capabilities will be added in the future.

Click here to go to the download page for the NZTA Waka Kotahi app. 

• If you are a parent, caregiver or whānau of a rangatahi with FASD, you can find out more about driver’s licences here: Information for parents.

Further Education

If you're keen to do some more specialised learning to help you get the job you want once you've left school, your secondary school may already have been helping you with information about what's available.

The good news is that with the right support, it's perfectly possible for you to achieve your education goals. Check out these short videos about the experiences of some FASD-CAN members with FASD who have tried tertiary education.

There are plenty of helpful people out there who know it's going to be a bit harder for you to move towards your goals, and who are keen to support you. This will no doubt include your parents or caregivers – even the government of NZ is ready to help you into further education!

You can choose from lots of different study and training options. You can choose whether you want to learn on the job in an apprenticeship, at home (online), or on campus (in classes with others).

Click here to find out more about all options on the NZQA website.

Types of tertiary education

If you want to attend tertiary education or a training program after high school (often called secondary school since primary school is the first school you go to), there are six main options. All of these are called Tertiary Education Providers together (TEPs).

  • Apprenticeships – this is where you learn as you work. Click here to go to the Careers NZ website where you can find out all you need to know about apprenticeships.

  • Polytechnics – these are colleges that offer technical and job training. Click here to find out all about what’s available across AoNZ.

  • Wānanga – these are Māori tertiary institutions that offer a variety of programs. There are three tertiary main wānanga in AoNZ which provide quality education using tikanga Māori ways of teaching and learning, contributing to the survival and wellbeing of Māori as a people. Click here to find out more.

  • Universities – these offer traditional university degrees. We have eight world-class universities across AoNZ – seven of them offer a broad range of degrees, Lincoln University is mostly about agriculture – click here to find out more.

  • Private Training Establishments (PTEs) – these are privately-run educational and training schools where you can learn specialised things like hairdressing, massage, performing arts, deep sea fishing or even learning to fly a plane! There are over 400 PTEs in AoNZ – click here to find out more. 

  • Microcredentials – these are shorter courses usually for quite specific jobs. They are often offered by most of the above TEPs, and sometimes credits gained can be counted towards a degree or further study. Click here to find out more. 

Choosing where to study

Find a TEP that has courses you are interested in applying for – your decision will probably be linked to where you live as you will almost certainly need the support of your whānau or caregiver!Ask a trusted adult to help you find one that may:

  • be cheaper than others (or free) 

  • be closer to where you live, or

  • have smaller classes to help you achieve your study goal.

Applying for a course

1. Find the course application closing date: You must send or submit all forms and supporting documents by this date.

2. Gather your documents at least a month before the closing date:

  • Birth certificate or passport: You'll need proof of your identity.

  • IRD number: You’ll need this for a student loan if you get one.

  • RealMe login: If you want to study at a TEP, you’ll need a RealMe® login for study link, applying to tertiary education providers, setting up a bank account and other things (find out more about RealMe® on our Identification, checks and licences page.)

  • Leaving certificate: This is a document from your high school that shows you've finished your studies. Call your school office and ask them to prepare one for you.

  • Family Court guardianship orders (if required). If you’re not in your birth parents’ care and are under 18, you'll need this document. 

3. Get your documents certified if necessary: This means having a Justice of the Peace (JP) sign them to confirm they are genuine. A JP in AoNZ is a community member appointed by the Courts to provide document-related services to their community. JPs are volunteers who are unpaid. Click here to find a JP living near you.

4. Scan or take photos of your certified documents: This will allow you to easily attach them to online applications.

TOP TIP! Once you have assembled all your important documents, make copies of them and keep them all together in a special folder. This will be helpful for all kinds of future applications – and for life in general!

Once the TEP accepts your application, the provider will send you an email (this may take up to 5 days). They will give you a new student number. This is not the same as your secondary school student number. When you have finished with that number, you’ll get a new one from your course provider. Keep this new student number safe and accessible! 

Study support

Learning support and general help

You may need a trusted adult to support you to talk to your provider about any support you need to reach your study goals. TEPs have some good learning support centres and teams to help anyone with a neurodiversity such as FASD, or a disability of any kind.

See the tab below for links to the disability support pages and email addresses for all the Universities and Polytechs in AoNZ. 

Financial support

If you need money to pay for your fees to attend the course, or if you need a student allowance to help you live and pay your boarding or rent, food and bills each week, then StudyLink may be able to help.

Applying for StudyLink – first, go online and see if you meet their requirements (this depends on how much money your parents earn). Funds for accommodation may be requested at the same time. StudyLink will also ask for your RealMe® identity and your new course student number.

They will then send you some papers with a list of documents they need from you. You can post the copies signed by the JP or upload them online using the Connect with StudyLink document delivery service. StudyLink will confirm they are processing your application by email.

Click here to go to the StudyLink website. 

More resources

Click here to go to the  Careers NZ website to find out more about what study costs and how to fund it in AoNZ.

Click here to find an easy-read resource about the support you might need in tertiary education – it’s for students who are neurodiverse, disabled or need other learning support.

All tertiary institutions will have a team (or at least a person!) who is dedicated to helping anyone with any kind of disability. 

Universities

Auckland University Student Disability Services

Email: [email protected]

AUT Auckland University of Technology Disability Support Services

Email: [email protected]

Massey University Disability services

Email: [email protected] (same for all campuses)

Massey Auckland Campus: 09 213 6203

Massey Palmerston North Campus: 06 951 6171

Massey Wellington Campus: 04 979 3192 or 04 979 3193

Victoria University of Wellington Disability Services

Email: [email protected] 

University of Canterbury Disability Services

Email: [email protected]

University of Otago Disability Support

Email: [email protected]

 

Polytechs


ARA – Christchurch: Disability Support Services

Email: [email protected]

EIT – Eastern Institute of Technology Disability Support Services

Email: [email protected]

• NMIT - Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology Disability Support Services

Email: [email protected]

MIT – Manukau Institute of Technology Disability Support Services

Email: [email protected]

The Open Polytechnic (online learning) disability and access services

Email: [email protected]

Otago Polytechnic Disability Support Services

Email: [email protected]

Primary ITO – agriculture and horticulture Disability Support Services

Email: [email protected]

Service IQ – service industry training Disability Support Services

Email: [email protected] 

SIT  – Southern Institute of Technology Disability Support Services

Email – Invercargill / Queenstown / Gore: [email protected] 

Email – Christchurch: [email protected] 

Email - Telford: [email protected] 

TPP – Tai Poutini Polytechnic (West Coast) Disability Support Services

Email: [email protected] 

Toi Ohomai – Waikato and Bay of Plenty Disability Support Services

Email: [email protected]

Unitec Disability Support Services – Auckland

Email: [email protected]

UCOL – Universal College of Learning, Manawatu/Whanganui region Disability Support Services

• UCOL Te Pūkenga Manawatū

Email: [email protected]

UCOL Te Pūkenga Whanganui
Email: [email protected]

UCOL Te Pūkenga Wairarapa
Email: [email protected]

WINTEC – Waikato Institute of Technology Disability Support Services

Email: [email protected]

WITT – Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (New Plymouth)

Email: [email protected]

Whitireia and Weltec – Porirua and Petone

Email: [email protected].

 

 

Employment and Employee Assistance

Finding a job that fits your life can be tricky, but luckily there's lots of help available! 

Whether you know exactly what you want or are still exploring options, resources exist to support your job search and help you maintain your current employment. Work schedules can be flexible—casual, part-time, full-time, flexible hours, flexible start times, even self-employed—there are many possibilities! 

There are options to help you reach your work goals. Remember, using local resources and community organisations can make your job search easier and you don’t have to do it all yourself.

If a full-time work week (usually 40-hours) feels like way too much, your doctor might be able to provide a medical certificate supporting part-time work for you, and this may also help you to get some financial assistance. This is a great first step to explore your options and find what works best for you.

Work and Income NZ

Work and Income offer an employment service for people with a disability or health condition (including FASD) and depending on various factors, you may also be able to access financial support during your first year of employment, and as needed while you're in employment. 

Work and Income have contracted experienced employment service providers who specialise in helping people into work who have a disability, health condition, mental health condition, or are neurodiverse. They can help to prepare you for work, hopefully find an ongoing job, and support you while you're in work. 

NOTE: you don’t need to be receiving a benefit to access this service!

Click here to find a Work and Income Centre near you.


If you are receiving a benefit from Work and Income…

You should have access to a Case Manager who can support you to get ready for work and help you find a job. There are a few special programmes you may be able to access.

If you have a disability or health condition (including a mental health condition or neurodiversity such as FASD), and you want to work, you can apply to join one of Work and Income 'Mainstream' programmes. 

Click here for Mainstream Programmes - Work and Income 


Income Support from Work and Income

You may be eligible for Income Support through various Work and Income payments while you’re looking for work:

Jobseeker Support - Work and Income

This provides financial help via a weekly payment that helps people while they are looking for work or can’t work right now.

Supported Living Payment - Work and Income

This provides financial help via a weekly payment to help you if you have a significant health condition, injury or disability, (which can include FASD).

Getting Ready to Work - Work and Income

Getting ready to work can sometimes involve costs. For example, training, workplace costs, travel and clothing costs. Work and Income may be able to help with these costs depending on your situation.


Other Employment Services

There are quite a few other non-government employment service providers all around Aotearoa NZ who can help support you with:

  • career planning

  • preparation for employment, e.g. help with writing a CV, interview technique 

  • job searching and matching

  • employment placement

  • negotiations of any flexible working arrangements

  • talking with your employer about how they can best support you.

  • Once you're in work, they can provide ongoing support to you and, if needed, your employer, for up to one year.

Disability Support Services has a range of services for people looking for a job, for people who support differently-abled people to find a job, and for employers to help their workplace be more welcoming for those with disabilities or neurodisabilities. 

Click here to find out more: Employment Support | Disability Support Services

There are more below (in alphabetical order) or contact your Disability Information Centres for local options that may also be available.  

Abilities Group (Auckland)                                                                     

We employ people with disabilities.

Āhei Program | NorthAble Matapuna Hauora (Whangārei)                                                        

Āhei is the employment arm of NorthAble disability services. They provide young people with internship (work experience)opportunities across industries and sectors. They also support organisations developing inclusive workforce practices and support interns in work placements with their partner organisations. The programme is open to anyone aged 16-24, who has a disability, seeking to gain work experience.

Brackenridge (Canterbury)                                                                                        

Brackenridge supports people with learning disabilities and autism to create and lead lives where they are included as valued members in our community. 

Career Moves (Waikato)                                                                                      

This is a dedicated, stand-alone, supported employment service for any disability – also supports people with long-term injuries, such as brain and spinal injuries. 

Catapult Employment Services (Canterbury)                                      

An employment service for both employers and jobseekers which has been helping Cantabrians into employment for over 10 years. We have employment consultants and offer counselling around anxieties with employment.  

 Community Care Trust (Otago)                                                                                                            

 Support people with intellectual disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder to live in their community.  

Community Living Trust (Waikato)                                                               

Supporting people into meaningful work or to gain the skills to enable them to get a job.  

CreativeWorks Employment Service (Christchurch & Wellington)                            

Providing support to people with experience of a mental illness or disability to find employment and then support them to maintain this for at least six months.

Disability Resource Centre  (Hawkes Bay)                                                     

Promoting  and providing occupational, social and personal opportunities and facilities for people with disabilities.  

Enrich+ (Te Awamutu)

Supporting individuals to have a ‘life like any other’. Through education, employment and empowerment, they help each person to be a real part of their communities. 

Geneva Elevator (Whangarei, North Shore, South Auckland, Wellington, New Plymouth)

A specialist consultancy service offering a wide range of employment, training and support options to clients with diverse needs. 

Horowhenua Learning Centre (HVLC)

A NZQA accredited Private Training Establishment in Levin, Palmerston North and Kapiti. They deliver teaching programmes with an emphasis on literacy and numeracy support.

IDEA Services (National) 

IDEA Services provides residential, vocational, behaviour support, supported employment, supported living and more to people with intellectual disabilities throughout New Zealand. 

Imagine Better  (National)

Provide a range of support, workshops, training and resources directly to families of disabled people. 

Mahi Tika (Waikato region)

A disabled-led employment programme designed to enhance the employment journey of disabled people in the Waikato region to be working or training in the industry of their choice while improving equity in the employment of disabled people.

Manaaki Ability Trust (Hutt Valley)                                                                   

We provide services that include transition from school, vocational support, community participation and centre-based and facilitated programmes. 

Tautoko Options (Manawatu)                                                   

This is a supported living agency, based in Palmerston North, which is committed to delivering services and support in a manner that fits each person’s needs and aspirations. 

Matea Trust (Auckland) 

On a rural block in Dairy Flat, just north of Albany, Matea Trust provides employment opportunities for men with intellectual disabilities in their firewood business. We also offer work experience opportunities to students preparing to leave school and enter the workforce.  

Polyemp  Employment and Advisory Service (Auckland)

Connecting employers who want to engage a more diverse and inclusive workforce with young disabled job seekers.

Recycle South (Southland)                                                                   

Our overriding objective is to increase the participation of people with disabilities in employment and in their community by turning farm waste plastics into a resin plastic product for export.  

Employable (Nelson)                                                                     

Employable is a specialist Supported Employment Agency that has served the Nelson economy well for over twenty-five years servicing over 1500 people. Our professional employment service provides free ongoing support. 

Work Opportunities (Dunedin) 

We are a Supported Employment service provider in Dunedin. 

Tupu Aotearoa

This agency supports Pacific people to gain tools and skills that enable them to thrive.

They connect Pacific people with local providers who will support you to access work or learning opportunities on your journey to employment, further training or study.

Your rights and responsibilities at work

There’s lots of great information on the Employment NZ website, but you may need your support person to take you through it.  

Click here to go to: Employee rights and responsibilities | Employment New Zealand

It covers important topics around your rights and responsibilities at work such as:

  • Knowing your minimum employment rights and responsibilities – how the law protects you

  • Your rights – employment agreements or contracts

  • Payment – types of pay, deductions (tax etc)

  • Breaks - hours of work, rest and breaks

  • Holidays and Leave

  • Managing health and safety

And lots more!

Got a problem?

If something is not right at your job and you think you may need legal advice, Community Law Centres are a good place to start, also see our Legal Assistance and Advocacy section.

Help for Employers 

Employers globally are becoming more aware that neurodiversity in the workplace is great for their business, because having people whose brains work differently can sometimes be very helpful! 

Below are some resources on how employers can support people with neurodisability in the workplace. You could let them know about these programmes if they’d like to give you a job but need a bit of help.

First up, you can click here to downloadable FASD-CAN’s own pānui / flyer for employers.

Next, you can pass on some, or all, of these links they can read:

Work and Income have two programmes to help employers who want to give people a job. The Flexi-Wage and Mana in Mahi programmes match employers with people who are keen to start a career and need extra support to begin and maintain their work and training journey. 





Needs Assessment and Support

FASD isn't considered a disability in our country, unlike in some other countries. To be considered for support services, you need to have an intellectual disability (an IQ of less than 70), which most people with FASD don’t have. 

You may already have received some help in school, but if not, check the services below. We hope that understanding and support for people with FASD will increase—that’s what we keep pushing for!

Government-funded support

Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS)

Students with ORS funding can stay at school until the end of the year they turn 21. In addition, in their final year of school, students with ORS funding may be able to access the transition services below to help them plan for life after school: 

  • Transition planning services – schools may refer students to these services. 

  • Transition from school providers – these providers can help students plan for life after school. Students can contact their local provider to check if they have a funded spot available. 

  • Ministry of Social Development (MSD) – the MSD funds transition services for ‘high’ and ‘very high’ ORS-verified students. The MSD pays the money directly to transition service providers. 

Organising a Needs Assessment

All government-funded support requires a needs assessment (usually medical specialists run some tests and say whether you need help with daily tasks or not). 

To set up any support, you will need to make an appointment for an assessment with a Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) person.

Before you begin, click here to check if you’re eligible. If you are, follow the steps below.

1. Find the Needs Assessment provider for your area – click here for a list.

2. Ask to meet with an Assessor (anyone can refer, including the disabled person themselves or their family member, a trusted friend or a health professional). 

3. Once a Needs Assessment is completed and approved, your NASC service provider will have a discussion with you about support options available to you (service coordination) in your location. 

Community Support Services

Disability Support Services

This link is for people who meet the criteria for a disability (IQ under 70) in Aotearoa New Zealand. The process and services are the same as above – you will still require a Needs Assessment. Click here to find out more.

Kaupapa Māori Needs Assessment & Co-ordination (NASC)       

The Kaupapa Māori Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) is a free community service for adults aged between 18 to 65 years who live with mental illness. The NASC offers access to a wide range of community-based resilience, recovery and support-focused services.

They work with individuals and their whānau to assess their needs, and plan and coordinate appropriate services. The assessment identifies individual strengths, supports and activities that are likely to lead to resilience and recovery outcomes for the individual and their whānau. Even if they do not make the original referral, your family GP will be informed and involved as the primary medical caregiver.

For people with mental health, alcohol or other drug issues

Most people should consult their doctor first. Your doctor may refer you to your local District Health Board (DHB) mental health and addiction service, which can assess your need for specialist treatment and support services. 

Click here to learn more about Mental Health Services around the motu / country.


Further resources

IHC – Leaving school 

The IHC say that transition planning for young people with disabilities should begin around age 14 and become more specific and focused as the young person moves towards leaving school.

Click here to go to the  IHC’s great page on planning for transitions after school. 

New Zealand Disability Support Network  

The New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN) is a member network of disability support services and providers nationwide.
Click here to go to their website.

Workbridge 

Workbridge collaborates with employers who embrace disability and focus on discussing your skills rather than the impairments you live with. Click here to go to the Workbridge website.

Mainstream Employment Programme 

Mainstream is a Work and Income programme which provides subsidies, training, and more to help people with significant disabilities get work.
Click here to find out more about  Mainstream on the Work and Income website.

Permanent Caregiver Support Service (PCSS)

A national service that offers advice, social work support, financial help, and more. Permanent caregivers (with family court orders for custody or guardianship) can request assistance until the child they care for turns 18. 

Click here for more info about PCSS.

Taking a break from caring (respite)

Carers need time to refresh and do something for themselves to continue to support someone with FASD. 
Click here to see if you can take a break which the Ministry of Health might pay for.

Employment New Zealand – support and info for employers

Provides information to employers about support for the value of employing neurodiverse or disabled people to find and keep jobs.

Click here for more info for employers.

Income Support

Youth Service: the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) 

If you leave school before you turn 18 you may be able to get income and other supports through the Youth Service.

The MSD’s Youth Service has three main services /payments:

  • Youth Payment – for young people aged 16 or 17 who can’t live with their parents or guardians

  • The NEET (Not in Education, Employment and Training) service – for 16–17-year-olds who are either not in education, training or employment, or are at risk of dropping out

  • Young Parent Payment – for young people aged 16–19 who are the main caregiver for a child.


The Youth Service focuses on supporting taiohi / young people into education, training and work-based learning. Youth coaches provide taiohi with intensive, tailored support to identify their goals and find the best path to reach them. 

Click here to find out more about MSD’s Youth Service.

Work and Income

Assistance available from Work and Income falls into three key areas:    

This link takes you to everything related to accessing income support. You don’t have to know everything today, but you will know where to look when you’re ready! Click here for the A-Z of benefit payments 

Financial support when looking for work

You may be eligible for income support via  Work and Income payments while you’re looking for work.

Jobseeker Support

This provides financial help via a weekly payment that helps people while they are looking for work or can’t work right now. 

Click here for more info about Jobseeker Support.

Supported Living Payment

This provides financial help via a weekly payment to help you if you have a significant health condition, injury or disability, (which can include FASD).

Click here for more details about the supported living payment.

Getting ready to work

Getting ready to start a new job can sometimes involve costs, such as training, workplace costs, travel and clothing. Depending on your situation, Work and Income may be able to help with these costs. 

Click here to find out more.



Oranga Tamariki Transition Support Services

Transition Support Services are a range of services for people aged 15 to 25. They help them transition from Oranga Tamariki (OT) care or custody into independent adulthood.

What is transition support?

Transition support can help with specific ways to help you become independent. This might mean helping with a plan, finding a place to stay or accessing financial support. Support is available from OT trained transition workers. Transition workers work for Iwi Māori or community partner organisations.

Who can access OT transition support?

You are eligible for transition support services if you:

  • have been in OT  or custody for over three months continuously
  • are between 15 - 25 years old.

What’s on offer

OT transition support can help you:

  • find a place to live or stay with a caregiver
  • get some financial support

  • access a transition worker

  • get your driver’s licence

  • find a job or enrol in training

  • get legal advice

  • access counselling and other health services.

Financial support

OT may be able to provide you with some financial support when:

  • things get tough

  • you need help to become independent

  • no other financial support is available.

OT’s financial support will not affect any other services you use or benefits you receive.

How to get support

You can access help whenever it works for you, including before you leave care or custody. You can choose to use OT's take transition support or not, at any time. If you are eligible, or you're not sure if you are, or want to find out more, contact:

  • a care, caregiver, or youth justice social worker

  • a transition worker

  • OT’s free helpline on 0800 55 89 89.

 

Taxation

Taxation is a system that takes set amounts of money from everyone's earnings (income) to help governments set up services for everyone to use, such as roads, hospitals, courts, police and politicians. Paying income tax is required by New Zealand law and you can get in big trouble for not paying it – you may be fined, or even go to jail.  

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) / Te Tari Taake collects this money from everyone in AoNZ who earns money either directly or through employers. If you receive any income from any source must declare your earnings (tell IRD about them) and you must make sure the right amount of tax is sent to IRD.  

IRD numbers for individuals

Your IRD number is used to keep track of the tax you pay and the entitlements you receive. How you apply for one depends on whether you live in New Zealand or overseas, or if you have recently arrived here. There is no cost when you apply for an IRD number. Your IRD number identifies you for all the tax-related events in your life - whether a job, a benefit or savings. Your IRD number is unique to you, and you keep the same IRD number throughout your life.

Getting an IRD number

You will need some identification documents to get your IRD number (more info about identification here). You can use your RealMe® login to set up a MyIR account, which allows you to access your income tax history at any time. Keep a note of your password for this account.

Click here to apply for an IRD number.

Using an IRD number

You need an IRD number for any tax-related obligations you have or entitlements you get. Common examples of when you need an IRD number include:

  • earning income, for example from a job, benefit or investment

  • opening a bank account

  • joining KiwiSaver

  • applying for a student loan.

Keep it safe!

Keep your IRD number where you can easily find it. You'll need it for all tax-related events in your life. But it's ok if you lose your IRD number – you can click here to find it.

What happens at the end of the tax year?

The tax year is from 1 April to 31 March. After the end of the tax year, IRD staff work out if: 

  • you’ve paid the right amount of tax 

  • you have tax to pay

  • you're due for a refund. 

If you are in a job where you Pay As You Earn (PAYE) the IRD will have enough information to work out your tax for you and you won't need to do anything.

If you are working part-time or are on a contract, you may need to file an individual income tax return – you can do this online (with some help), using your MyIR login or using a paper form. 

 

Money and Banking

Managing your money is a skill you develop, and most people need some help at some time in their lives. When you live with FASD, managing money is often a lot more challenging. Here are two online places you can go to learn more about money:

  • 'Stand Tall' is a free money and budgeting game created by IHC NZ, that teaches you how to manage your money. Choose where to focus your finances and learn how to live independently. Click here to play the game online, or go to your favourite app store (click here for the Apple App Store) on your phone – search for Stand Tall and download.

  • 'Sorted' is a great place to start to think about how to save and spend your money. It has many helpful free tools to get you started. Set up a login so you can go back as often as you like. Click here to go to the Sorted website.

    Sorted topics and tools include:

– Everyday Money (take the stress out of managing your money)

– Kiwisaver (how to save for retirement or your first home)

– Debt (when you owe money to other people and struggle to pay it back)

– Savings (not spending my money all at once)

– Budget planner (just a money plan to help stay in control)

– Goal planner

– Money personality quiz (this is interesting!).

Get help with your money from a FREE financial mentor 

A programme called 'Money Talks' can connect you with a mentor who can talk you through any problems you may have for free. The mentors are all around Aotearoa. Click here to go to ‘Money Talks’.

Other budgeting services you may find useful

Choosing a bank to keep your money safe

Your parents or caregivers may have already started a bank account for you. Choosing a bank that has an office near you is useful for when you have banking questions and want someone to show you things you might struggle with. People are generally using cash less and less – you can still withdraw cash but it’s not always the safest way to carry money around. It’s probably better for you to have a bank card.

EFTPOS, debit and credit cards

EFTPOS cards

This is the most common type of card. You can withdraw cash at an ATM (automated teller machine) and buy things without cash. You will need a PIN (personal identification number) before you can withdraw money or make a purchase. Having your bank’s app on your smart phone makes tracking your ‘account balance’ (how much money you have in your account) easier so your purchases don’t get ‘declined’ (you can’t buy things because there’s not enough money in your account).

Debit cards

A debit card works like a credit card - but it’s using your own money. It allows you to carry less cash and buy things over the phone or online with your own money. You can make payments with a card, without the extra hassle and costs of a credit card.

Credit Cards

Credit cards let you ‘borrow’ money up to an agreed amount (the ‘card limit’), and they can sometimes be useful to help manage bigger expenses, when you can’t cover the cost with your own cash. Unless you have a good, regular job, it may be unlikely that your bank will give you a credit card because they will want to be sure you can pay them back!

You must be careful with credit cards: the money you use must be paid back, with ‘interest’ (a payment to the bank for using their money) and other fees - these can quickly add up and become difficult to repay, so ask for advice and start with a low card limit while you learn how to manage this service.

Lost cards cost money to replace!

Look after cards carefully – or even better, find out how to store them in the ‘digital wallet’ on your phone where your fingerprint is required to confirm every transaction. Then you can leave your cards at home! 

Beware of PayWave!

PayWave was introduced to save time when making a payment in stores. You don’t always need to use a PIN to confirm your transaction – you can pay up to $120 like this. However, if you do happen to lose your card (it happens to all of us) then other people can use your card and take your money out of your bank account. 

  • Make sure you learn how to temporarily lock your account via the banking app on your phone if you do lose your card, to keep your money safe.

  • Get advice from a trusted adult about what card will work best for you.

Housing and Living Arrangements

Some people with FASD can live independently, some can live away from their families with lots of help, and some may feel more comfortable and confident staying at home with their whānau. 

If you are living with your parents it would be great to learn some skills by helping them - like keeping your room tidy, doing the dishes after a meal and cooking meals that you like.  

Try making a list of all the things your parents do to keep your home clean, tidy and maintained… it’s a long list and they will definitely need your help!

There are lots of resources at the end of this section, but to start with, here are some things to think about.

What do I need to know before leaving home?  

  • It’s not a good idea to leave home with nowhere to go – even if a friend has said you can stay on their couch, it will usually only be for a few days. It’s best to have a safe place to live long term that is fully confirmed well before you move out. If you would like some temporary legal advice, contact YouthLaw.

  • Planning your move is very important. Moving house is always stressful for everyone but the more planning and support you put in, the better it will be.

  • Leaving home means more independence and more freedom, but it also means more responsibilities. It can be expensive and sometimes lonely. 

  • Moving in with a friend sounds like fun but it is not always a great idea. They may do things differently to the way you do them. You might not feel comfortable or have much privacy. Sometimes these problems can become so big it might mean the end of your friendship! Make sure you talk things over thoroughly with your friend, and your family or support people, before moving. 

Talking to Your Family  

If you’re thinking you’d like to try living independently outside your family, it’s a good idea to sit down and have a discussion with them.  

  • Tell your parents you need to talk. Say something like, “we should talk about my future.” 

  • Tell them whether you would like to move to a place of your own or in with a friend. 

  • Be open to discussion as they will probably know a lot about moving out and living in flats.  They may have some very helpful suggestions if they agree that it’s a good idea!

What can I take with me when I leave home? 

You can take: 

  • your personal clothing and accessories

  • anything you have bought with your own money

  • anything bought especially for you e.g.. bike, radio

  • any personal documents such as your passport, drivers licence, birth certificate

  • anything else your parents have agreed you can take.  

You can’t take anything that is owned by your parents, or anyone else unless you have asked them and they said yes. 

Getting ready to move out

Here are a few things to think about.

Money and things you'll need to buy

Having enough money to pay the bills is important to successfully living on your own.  

Be prepared to buy items you may not have thought about or don’t already have. If you'll be paying for everything by yourself, make sure that you have enough money saved up well before you start.  

  • You’ll need your bond (this is usually one month’s rent which you pay to your landlord in case anything in the house is damaged when you move out) plus your first month’s rent ready to pay before you move. 

  • Before you move out of home, make a list of everything you'll need including things you don't yet own for your new place. 

  • If your new home is not furnished, you may need to buy a bed, some chairs, a table, a couch, a fridge and more. Other necessary items can include crockery and cutlery, pots and pans, cleaning supplies, sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, tea towels. 

  • Consider shopping at op shops for some items you'll need or try TradeMe or Facebook Marketplace pages.  

You don’t always need everything at the beginning, you can go without some things until you’re able to afford them.

Secure a place to live

Without a confirmed, safe and manageable place to live, it may be hard to manage a job, school, or anything else in your life.  

  • Talk to friends or family in the area where you want to live who may have ideas to help

  • Search online websites that advertise houses or flats to rent  

  • Contact a property management company in the area you’ll be moving to help you find a suitable place to rent.

Know the move-in date at your new house

Before you do anything you need to know the date you can move into your new home.  

When you talk to your new landlord, make sure to get an exact move-in date in writing. 

When you have a date that you can move in you can organise turning on utilities – see below.

Set up your utilities 

Utilities are the things that make your house work! For example electricity, water, and internet providers. 

  • If you’re moving in with someone who already has utilities set up, talk to that person about how utilities will be divided between everyone living there. 

  • Contact all your utility providers and arrange for them to turn the utilities on. 

If you’re starting a new service, you may need to pay a deposit or connection fee. 

Click here to find a good checklist about utilities you can go through here on the Consumer website. 

Packing your belongings 

Packing can take a while! Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to think about what you need to take – start making a list a while beforehand, and add to it as you think of things so that you don't forget anything. 

  • Borrow or buy (from a moving company) boxes to pack your stuff into. 

  • Put all of your things together and check them or get someone else to check them before you pack them. 

Timing when to leave 

Before you move, you should talk to your friends and family to see if they’ll be available to help you move when the time comes. Moving is always made a lot easier when you have people there to help who care about you. 

  • You may need to time your move around the schedules of your friends and family. 

  • Remember that your friends and family helping you to move is not only about moving, but about emotional support as well.

Moving your things to your new home

When you’re house or flat and utilities ready, you’ll need to arrange how you’ll move your things. 

  • If you’re moving and have a lot of things to bring with you (like furniture), you can ask a friend or family member if you can use their trailer to move your stuff, or hire a trailer from a garage or other place. Sometimes you can hire small moving trucks by the hour. 

  • If you’re moving and don’t have a lot of stuff, you might just be able to move it in a car. Use your own vehicle, or a friend or family member to move your things. 

Remember hiring costs money, and it’s always good to offer to pay for petrol to friends or family who agree to help you.

Your support network

It’s important to have a support network after you leave home. It’s a really good idea to ensure that you’ll have friends and family available to support you emotionally (and to socialise with). Without a support network, you may feel lonely! 

  • Even if you’re just moving to another house in the same town or city, try to find out how far away your friends and family will be. Just having someone not too far away can be very helpful when you need someone's support. 
  • If you’re moving to a town or city where you don’t know anyone, consider joining social clubs or similar groups in order to make friends. 

Check out the local bus services if you don’t have your own transport, so you can get to grocery stores and appointments as well as visiting friends and whānau.  

Housing Resources: support

Work and Income 

Work and Income can help with finding:

  • emergency housing

  • private rental 

  • living in a home, housing issues and public housing

  • help with moving house

Click here to find out more from Work and Income.


Disability Information NZ

This website has an informative section on housing for those with disabilities.

Click here to go directly to this page.


Ready to Rent workshops

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) provide funding for ‘Ready to Rent’ two-day workshops to support tenants wanting to apply for a property in the private rental market. 

The course covers the following topics:

  • Tenant’s and landlord’s rights and responsibilities 

  • Learn new skills to build positive relationships with landlords and neighbours 

  • Gain confidence in finding and maintaining affordable housing 

  • Applying for a rental property and presenting to a potential landlord 

  • Understanding the application and screening processes used by landlords
     
  • Money management and creating a household budget 

  • Education on warm, dry, healthy homes including insulation, ventilation, heating, curtains, clothes drying 

  • Work and Income assistance 

  • Fire Safety in the home
  • Insurance.

When tenants complete the course, they receive a ‘Ready to Rent’ certificate, which lets prospective landlords know they have taken the time to learn how to be a responsible tenant. 

Below are links to organisation who provide this course throughout the country:

Habitat for Humanity - NZ wide

Tuatahi Centre – Lower North Island

Aukaha - Dunedin

Roderique Hope Trust - Taranaki

Hawkes Bay District Health Board – Hawkes Bay

 
Tenancy Services website – NZ Government 

Click here to go to the homepage of this helpful website.

Click here to go straight to their beginners guide to renting.

Further resources: FASD housing research

These resources are more of a deep dive for caregivers or professionals into the specific challenges and considerations around independent and interdependent housing for people with FASD. 

Please note, they are all from Canada, the country that leads the way internationally for FASD, but the information is very pertinent to us in Aotearoa.

• Current and ideal living arrangements for people with FASD

This is a two-part research project, published on 29th April 2024. Researchers spoke to adults with FASD and to caregivers about their housing experiences.

Click here to read Part 1: Perspectives from adults with FASD 

Click here to read Part II: Perspectives from caregivers 

• Video - Building Stability: Innovative Housing Strategies for People with FASD 

This is a recorded webinar (43 mins) which discusses co-creating housing solutions with those with FASD.

Click here to watch.

• CanFASD housing project: Creating Intersections

This research paper from 2018 looks at a person-centred (i.e. individualised) framework for housing people with FASD. Again from Canada, but has lots of interesting research specifically for those with FASD or supporting someone with FASD.

  • Page 35 has an interesting graphic which puts the person at the centre and considers all aspects of the person's life when considering housing. 

  • Pages 36 – 39 outlines FASD informed things to consider when looking for housing.  

  • Page 44 has an infographic that shows how you might evaluate the framework when considering housing. 

  • Pages 45- 52 break down things to consider even further.  

  • Pages 65-69 tables on how tenants thinking may be affected.

  • Pages 70-73  tables on how tenants well-being and life function may be affected. 

Click here to download this pdf.

• Presentation: barriers to housing and support vs. enablers to housing and support 

This pdf of a presentation may be helpful to work through to understand what the challenges or barriers are for those with FASD gaining supported housing and how best to  enable support.

Click here to read. 

Government Services

You can access lots of assistance on the AoNZ general Government information website. These resources should be up to date and safe – they won’t be scams. Please ask your trusted adult or support person to help you understand what you need to do to use these services. They are not disability-specific but may be helpful. 

NZ Government website

Click here to go to the NZ Government website. Topics include:

  • Tax, benefits, finance

  • Education

  • Work

  • Passports, citizenship and identity

  • Leaving NZ

  • Health

  • Family and whānau

  • Consumer rights and complaints

  • Housing and property

  • Transport

  • Law, crime and justice

  • Recreation and environment

  • Engaging with government

Public Trust NZ

Public Trust NZ provides a range of services including wills and ‘enduring powers of attorney’, where the public trust is appointed to make financial decisions on behalf of an adult who has been determined not to have capacity to make those decisions.

Click here to go to the Public Trust website.

NZ Ministry of Justice Tribunals

Tribunals, authorities and committees are legal ways for people to sort out problems and disputes – e.g. tenancy disputes, human rights, legal aid and much more. The Ministry of Justice also regulates organisations such as the alcohol licensing authority, ACC and the Waitangi Tribunal. AoNZ has 24 legislated tribunals.

Click here to go to Tribunals on the Ministry of Justice website. 

General Resources: Wellbeing

Here’s a selection of general resources for rangatahi / young people and their caregivers and whānau about wellbeing and mental health. 

Rangatahi Well has a ‘wellbeing kete’ page which brings together lots of self-help websites about all aspects of wellbeing for young people. 

Click here to access the Rangitahi Well website.

Enabling Good Lives (EGL) was set up in Aotearoa a few years ago to shift authority from government to disabled people and their families. EGL is a social movement in response to the oppression of disabled people.

Click here to go to the EGL website.

Care Matters is about the health and wellbeing of family carers and disabled people and provides accessible, relevant learning information, strengthens carer knowledge and improves relationships between carers and disabled people.

Click here to go to the Care Matters website.

Standards and Monitoring Services (SAMS) is a national evaluation, education and leadership development organisation governed and primarily staffed by disabled people and families.

Click here to go to the SAMS website

Whānau Ora is a culturally-based, whānau-centred approach to wellbeing focused on the family group as the decision-makers who determine their own goals and aspirations.

Click here to go to the Whānau Ora website

Are you OK is a website about family violence and has a section for people with disabilities.

Click here to go to this page on the Are You OK website

Community of Action on Youth and Drugs (CAYAD) works to reduce the harm young people experience from alcohol and other drugs in 20 locations throughout Aotearoa. 

Click here to go to CAYAD.

Te Ora Hou Aotearoa is a Māori, faith-based youth and community development organisation working with young people, their whānau, and communities around Aotearoa to empower young people to reach their full potential.

Click here to go to Te Ora Hou to find a group near you.

Mana Inc creates and delivers unique wānanga (workshops) for Māori rangatahi, young people that inspire, enhance and empower. They utilise whanaungatanga (connectedness), manaakitanga (care and support) and rangatiratanga (leadership). 

Click here to go to Mana Inc.