Social Individualised
Out of Home Care Coordinator and Mentors
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Out of home care is a temporary, medium or long-term living arrangement for children and young people who cannot live in their family home. MEC provides an Out of Home Care Coordinator and student mentors to actively support the educational achievement of every child and young person in out-of-home care. Every student in statutory out-of-home care, and for the first year of a student entering permanent care will be provided with a learning mentor to support them at school. In addition to this, students will be assigned to a student support group, supported through an individual education plan, be provided with an educational needs analysis and nominated a designated teacher.
We work collaboratively to ensure
• a strongly coordinated approach exists to support the needs of children and young people in out-of-home care
• all parties understand each other’s roles and responsibilities and work cooperatively
• strategies are implemented to improve outcomes related to student enrolment, attendance, achievement, case planning, retention and school completion.
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/supporting-students-out-home-care/policy?Redirect=1
Reengagement Program
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The goal of the Reengagement Program to assist in the reengagement of a student who has had difficulties. This plan should be developed with the student, so they have ownership over the plan, the parents/carers and any support workers such as a psychologist or youth worker. If the student is returning to school after hospitalisation or an episode of self-harm, ensure that an up to date risk assessment has been completed as this should guide the development of this plan. A safety/calm plan should also be in place.
When re-engaging students the school will consider:
· What can teachers do in the classroom to support the student (e.g. not call on them, allow them to go to for a drink, let them listen to music, allow the student to go to first aide for some quiet time).
· All teachers are made aware of these supports through the MEC Student Support Plan.
· Ensuring teachers are aware of and support of any changes to the student’s timetable & workload
· Discussing with the student what they will tell peers about their absence
· Identify supports amongst the student’s peers and offers support for these students if required
· Which staff need to be made aware of this plan & what details they need to know, being mindful of the student’s right
to privacy
· Being flexible around attendance and work requirements
· Providing a safe place and support person for the student
· Providing a withdrawal card to the student so they can leave class discreetly
Please see here for the MEC Reengagement Plan.
Social Stories
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Social Stories are developed to give students accurate social information in an easily understood and reassuring format. The best Social Stories are written in conjunction with the student, use their pictures (photos or their own drawings) and endeavour to use their own words if possible.
Please see the following link for further information here.