Page 164 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 13 February 2019
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people as young as 15 and are funded as part of the specialist homelessness services sector.
These programs provide a range of support services, including family mediation, to keep young people at home if it is safe to do so, facilitating alternative accommodation options with a family member or friend, and provision of outreach and other supports such as financial support, tenancy assistance and assistance to find and maintain alternative accommodation.
As outlined in the Australian Catholic University report on the experiences of children and young people, some children and young people who are homeless or find themselves at risk of homelessness as a result of not feeling safe in their own home do receive support from child and youth protection services. But we need to acknowledge that young people will not always appreciate or want to be supported by child protection, and in some cases they will not meet the threshold for child protection support. These young people, early teenagers, often face very complex circumstances where they are making decisions for themselves that may or may not be in their best interests, but we need to respect their voice in the process as well.
Mrs Kikkert spoke about the importance of data in informing policy and understanding its effectiveness. In this context data collected through the education system is highly relevant. The ACT government is, of course, committed to the wellbeing and health of all children and young people in the ACT, and the Education Directorate and individual schools are absolutely critical in delivering on this outcome.
This commitment includes a focus on the provision of safe and inclusive learning environments with a focus on wellbeing, personalised learning pathways, collaboration and partnerships. This is reflected in the future of education strategy, which articulates the aim to enhance student wellbeing and psychological supports to ensure students are resilient and equipped for the future.
The future of education strategy identifies middle years as an area of priority focus, reviewing and building upon existing policies, supports and practices that enhance personalised learning, student agency and 21st century capabilities, particularly with regard to the learning needs in the middle and older years.
As I stated earlier, this government has heard and understands the need for evidence-based and evidence-informed responses. The Education Directorate collects a range of student wellbeing data through the annual student survey, and information collected is regularly reviewed and added to as necessary.
I am pleased to inform the Assembly that I understand that the Education Directorate has met with Families ACT and has identified two questions in relation to student wellbeing that are suitable to be included alongside existing data collected on student wellbeing, including for the middle years.
I acknowledge that there is more to do, particularly to support the most vulnerable children and families in our community, which is why the ACT government has been undertaking work such as the early support initiative, with a focus on the middle years.
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