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Continued Support For At Risk Young People

09 November 2015

Minister for Education James Merlino today announced the continuation of the School Focused Youth Service (SFYS) program for the next two years.

The program targets at-risk ten to 18-year-olds who require early intervention to ensure they continue to be engaged and connected to education. It delivers support within the school environment with school and community organisations working in partnership to coordinate a range of supports.

Mr Merlino said that current service providers would continue to deliver the service and welcomed their involvement in this important program.

He added that the program will be slightly redesigned to operate alongside the new $8.6 million Navigator service pilot which was announced in September as part of the Education State initiatives. The new hands-on Navigator service will provide direct support to disengaged young people to help them overcome barriers to learning and to successfully re-engage with an education or training pathway.

The Department for Education and Training will work closely with the current SFYS providers in the development of the revised SFYS program.

As part of our Education State investment, the Andrews Labor Government is also providing an additional $566 million over four years for students who need it most – helping to break the cycle of disadvantage.

The Education State is also preparing our kids for life and work in the 21st century – through new subjects such as digital coding, and ambitious new targets to improve student learning and development including halving the number of students who disengage from education and training.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, James Merlino

“I am pleased to announce $15.6 million over two years to support young people at risk of disengaging from education.”

“Sharpening the program focus of the SFYS will enable schools to build effective collaborative partnerships with youth and community services that provide positive outcomes for our kids.”

“Through programs such as the School Focused Youth Service and Navigator, we’re creating a holistic approach to supporting vulnerable young people to stay engaged with education.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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