❓ The Hon Adele Farina asks about the Department of Education's response to the Ombudsman's report on youth suicide prevention, specifically regarding school suspension practices. The Department states that the report didn't specifically recommend changes to suspension practices but outlines actions taken to address related recommendations on behaviour management.
AnsweredQoN 1919Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
The report of the office of the Ombudsman titled Investigation into ways that State Government departments and authorities can prevent or reduce suicide by young people released in April 2014, identified 10 of the 19 young people enrolled at school had been suspended from school. In light of this finding what steps has the Department of Education taken to amend its school suspension practices?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
2 December 2014
Responded by
Minister for Education
Response time
41 days
The Ombudsman's report titled
Investigation into ways that State Government departments and authorities can prevent or reduce suicide by young people
did not specifically recommend a change to the Department's suspension practices.
Suspension is a measure legally available to principals in response to breaches of school discipline by students. Principals determine when student behaviour warrants suspension and the period of suspension imposed.
The Department of Education accepted the Ombudsman's recommendations in relation to student behaviour and continues to address these. In particular,
Recommendation 17:
Ensure that schools comply with the requirements for managing student behaviour, as set out in its
Behaviour Management in Schools
policy. Actions taken:
· The
Behaviour Management in Schools
policy is being simplified, and numerous associated policies, procedures and instructions are being amalgamated.
· Information, resources and support are being developed and will be made available on the Department's website to assist schools to implement the policy.
Also, Recommendation 18: Expansion of the
Behaviour Management in Schools
policy to recognise risk associated with cumulative harm resulting from child maltreatment. Actions taken:
· The revised
Behaviour Management in Schools
policy will refer to risk associated with cumulative harm and require consideration of such risk when suspensions and exclusions occur.
Investigation into ways that State Government departments and authorities can prevent or reduce suicide by young people
did not specifically recommend a change to the Department's suspension practices.
Suspension is a measure legally available to principals in response to breaches of school discipline by students. Principals determine when student behaviour warrants suspension and the period of suspension imposed.
The Department of Education accepted the Ombudsman's recommendations in relation to student behaviour and continues to address these. In particular,
Recommendation 17:
Ensure that schools comply with the requirements for managing student behaviour, as set out in its
Behaviour Management in Schools
policy. Actions taken:
· The
Behaviour Management in Schools
policy is being simplified, and numerous associated policies, procedures and instructions are being amalgamated.
· Information, resources and support are being developed and will be made available on the Department's website to assist schools to implement the policy.
Also, Recommendation 18: Expansion of the
Behaviour Management in Schools
policy to recognise risk associated with cumulative harm resulting from child maltreatment. Actions taken:
· The revised
Behaviour Management in Schools
policy will refer to risk associated with cumulative harm and require consideration of such risk when suspensions and exclusions occur.
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