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Transition to Adulthood FGCs: Rangatahi Must Not Be Forgotten at 18
A young person’s 18th birthday should not be treated as an administrative finish line.
For many rangatahi leaving care, the transition to adulthood is one of the most vulnerable periods of their life. They may be moving from statutory care into independence, employment, housing, study, whānau reconnection, adult services or community support.
This transition must be planned. It must be supported. It must be meaningful.
NUPE has received member feedback raising serious concerns about inconsistency in Transition to Adulthood FGCs. These are FGCs connected to young people under custody orders whose plans may be reviewed under section 135(4) of the Oranga Tamariki Act.
Some regions appear to have dedicated Coordinators for this work. Others do not.
That inconsistency should concern every politician, decision-maker and senior leader.
Young people leaving care must not be bumped down the priority list because they are older.
They are not less important because they are approaching adulthood. In many cases, they need more support, not less.
A proper Transition to Adulthood FGC should ask:
Where will this young person live?Who are their safe adults?What whānau connections need to be strengthened?What education, training or employment pathway is in place?What health or disability supports are needed?What financial support is available?What cultural and community connections matter?What does the young person want?What happens if the plan breaks down?Who is responsible for follow-up?
This is not a side issue. It is a core part of preventing harm, homelessness, isolation, exploitation, offending, mental distress and further system involvement.
Legislative changes that extended support for older young people should have been matched by increased Coordinator capacity. If the statutory responsibility grows, the workforce must grow with it.
NUPE calls for a national review of Transition to Adulthood FGCs.
That review must examine:
Whether these FGCs are happening consistently.Whether young people know their rights.Whether plans are meaningful and resourced.Whether dedicated Transition FGC Coordinators are needed.Whether rangatahi voice is central.Whether regions have enough capacity.Whether section 135(4) is being used properly.
A young person leaving care deserves more than a file closure.
They deserve a plan.They deserve support.They deserve whānau and community connection.They deserve a future.
Stand up Transition to Adulthood FGCs.
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