Kids in care: improving educational outcomes forum

The first in a series of forums on improving educational outcomes for children in care was hosted by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian in November. Acting Commissioner, Barry Salmon facilitated this forum which brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss how educational improvements for children in out-of-home care could be achieved.

The "Kids in care: improving educational outcomes – what can we do to help" forum highlighted what children and young people in care were saying about their educational experiences and the educational challenges they faced.

Referring to the Commission’s Views of Children and Young People in Foster Care Survey 2010, Mr Salmon said some of the things children in care spoke about included:

• attending multiple schools
• having problems at school which they haven’t got help with
• having health and behavioural problems
• repeating school, and
• being suspended and/or excluded from school.

For the full Views of Children and Young People in Foster Care 2010 report, click here.

To view the full presentation by Acting Commissioner Barry Salmon, click here.

Young people from the Create Foundation set the tone for the forum talking openly about their experiences in care and the educational challenges they faced growing up within statutory care system. The young people from Create also offered positive solutions on how children in care can be better supported to achieve improved educational outcomes which included maintaining strong and meaningful relationships with caseworkers and looking at holistic ways to support the particular needs of young people in care.

Guest speakers Professor Clare Tilbury, School of Human Services and Social Work, Griffith University and Ms Lorren Arezio from the Queensland Health’s Evolve Therapeutic Services shared their knowledge and experience on the subject.

Professor Tilbury presented research about the educational status of children and young people young people in care, the barriers to achieving good outcomes and ways these barriers can be overcome.

Lorren Arezio talked through case studies which demonstrated the health and behavioural issues that children and young people young people in care may display. Ms Arezio exampled some practical supports that educators may need to help these children succeed.

Plans are underway for the next focus forum in early 2012 to discuss the educational needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids in care. The Education Focus Forums series will be working on practical strategies and policy solutions to close the gap in level of educational attainment among young people in out-of-home care when compared with those who are not in care.

In March 2011, a Working Group on Education for Children and Young People in Out-of-home Care in Queensland released Education Matters: A call for action to improve educational participation, retention and attainment for children and young people in Queensland.

The Education Matters report aimed to highlight the nature and scope of educational needs of children and young people in care. In particular, the report outlined the resources and actions that are required to move isolated instances of good practice to sustainable solutions that will support improved educational outcomes for children in care. The strengthened educational achievement for children in care is critical to these children establishing their independence and potential to succeed as young adults.

To view the full Education Matters Report, click here.

If you would like further information on the Education Forum, please contact sprp@ccypcg.qld.gov.au or phone 07 3211 6962.

Last Updated: December 7, 2011

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