Improving the Educational Outcomes of Children and Young People in Care

Dr Michelle TownsendCentre for Children and Young People, Southern Cross UniversityIllawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong

Educational outcomes:Statewide Tests Students in care are performing below their non-care peers – at

every test level across the two years of testing (04, 06)

Indigenous students in care are performing below their non-

Indigenous peers in care

Students in care are performing below every other DET equity

group, except Aboriginal students

Educational outcomes:Statewide Tests Students in care at risk of falling further behind as they progress

through school.

Some students in care performing well:

- 2 in 10 in Year 3 and 5 literacy and numeracy

- 6 in 10 in Year 7 literacy

- 3 in 10 in Year 7 numeracy

Potential and Confirmed Pathways of 1399 young people in care aged 15-17 (30 June 2006)

School Certificate Candidate19.2% (268)

Obtain School Certificate56.6%

Obtain Life Skills Award17.2%

Record of Achievement (no award)4.9%

Withdrew -Early School Leaver21.6%

Higher School Certificate Candidate3.9% (54)

Obtain Higher School Certificate

40.7%

Obtain Life Skills Award24.1%

Record of Achievement (no award)13%

Withdrew - Left School22.2%

Other Potential Pathways76.9% (1077)

Enrolled in Years 9 or 11 Estimate 25%

Attendance at Non-Government School

Estimate 20%

Early School LeaversEstimate 25%

Aged Out of Care or Discharged

Estimate 30%

Attachment

Biology

Regulation

Disassociation

Behavioural control

Cognition

Self-concept

The effects of trauma on child development

Relationship between transitions and educational progress

Educational and Care Transitions

By the time the children in this study were in their first two years of high school, they had:

• Attended an average of 4.1 schools, • Experienced an average of 5.5 placements,

and• Had 3.4 caseworkers.

At high school:

• 28.6% had changed placement since starting high school, a third of these children also required a school change

For now and for their futures…..

The Importance of Education for Children & Young People in Care

Improving educational engagement and outcomes: Educational advocates

Take responsibility

Engage stakeholders

Monitor progress

Seek child’s participation

Act early and with sufficient intensityEarly Childhood Education

Kindergarten, early Primar

y

Late Primary

High School (7-10)

High Scho

ol (11-12)

Post Secondary Education

Thank youmtconsultancy@optusnet.com.au

http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/research_centre/out_of_home_care_research.html

Linked in group - Education of Children in Care Network

Children and Youth Services ReviewVolume 34, Issue 6, Pages 1081-1196 (June 2012) Educational Interventions, Practices, and Policies to Improve Educational Outcomes Among Children and Youth in Out-of-Home Care

Are we making the grade? The education of children and young people in out-of-home care, http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/195