June 2003

Plan to keep vulnerable children in school

An across-government partnership aims to provide a better education for children and young people in out of home care.

Community Services Minister Sherryl Garbutt said the new partnering agreement involves the Department of Education and Training (DE&T) and the Department of Human Services working more closely to improve the educational outcomes of children and young people in out of home care.

‘Through this agreement, the Government will better identify the educational needs of children in care and establish specific supports to help them.

‘We will work together across Government to ensure children in care go to school and reach their potential.’

Launching the new partnership agreement with the Parliamentary Secretary for Training and Higher Education Ann Barker, Ms Garbutt said research showed that a disproportionate number of children and young people in care experienced significant difficulties at school.

‘There are too many children and young people in care struggling at school and this often leads to them dropping out altogether.

‘Many of these children have experienced family breakdown, abuse and neglect and find coping with school very difficult.

‘We will establish special support groups in schools for all children and young people in out of home care.

‘These groups will work to identify kids’ needs, maximise attendance at school and establish alternative educational or training pathways if needed.’

Ms Garbutt said thousands of school students would also benefit from the Government’s $49.5 million investment in 256 student welfare co-ordinators in primary schools announced in the State Budget.

‘We are providing greater support to help students stay at school and achieve the best result possible.

‘This funding is in addition to an extra $88 million over four years in the State Budget to improve and strengthen children’s services.’