Whilst this policy is aimed at providing support generally for "Students at Risk", implicit in it, is the inclusion of approaches to deal with issues relating to Youth Suicide Prevention as part of the Department of Education’s Policy.

Guidelines for this policy will be consistent with curriculum and welfare issues expressed in the Department of Education’s Schools of the Future Reference guide.

Promote a healthy, supportive and secure environment for students, with targeted support for students at risk.

• Student welfare is a shared responsibility between school, home and the community.
• School should be a positive environment in which all teachers assume responsibility for student welfare and each student is provided with success experiences.
• All students shall have access to welfare and support services.
• Clear, well known communication processes and protocols are critical to the effectiveness of student welfare support.

1. Parents, staff and relevant community members will be consulted in the development and regular review of this policy.
2. The School Council shall be responsible for the coordination and implementation of this policy.
3. The school shall implement welfare support structures and programs which prioritises and addresses the identified needs of students.

The stages at which support may be provided are:

Primary Prevention: programs which develop resilience, through enhanced life skills and protective factors.

Early Intervention: strategies and processes which, assess and manage individuals and groups identified as high risk.

Intervention: provision of crisis support for individuals with clear suicide behaviours.

Post vention: implement a response plan . This plan shall be reviewed annually and include responsibilities of coordinating personnel and other staff; procedures for contacting and dealing with outside agencies; debriefing arrangements for affected personnel; and plan review arrangements.

It is necessary to respect the confidential nature of dealing with student welfare issues.

4. Welfare programs and student service provision will be supported by funding and where possible time release for teachers to enable:

• employment of services to conduct support programs which focus on addressing student welfare issues
• individual and group student counselling
• skill development for students, teachers and parents

Funds provided through the Department of Education’s "Student Services’ allocation shall be expended according to guidelines published in GNER "Student Support Services Model - 1998-2000" Information Booklet.

Where a decision needs to be made regarding the appropriate nature of curriculum content for the teaching and learning of issues which may relate to "student at risk behaviours" it shall be referred to the Principal.

For school based case management of known students, a structure shall provide for continuity of care through a process of coordination with other agencies, transfer to other schools and transition.

In the event of this policy being unable to be adhered to, the Principal may use his/her discretion but ensuring that the guidelines for GNER "Student Support Services Model - 1998-2000" are strictly followed.

Adopted by School Council : Tuesday 21^st July 1998

Review due in the year 2000.