Getting back to school
Returning to school can be a daunting prospect for many young people transitioning out of the juvenile justice system. Not only have many had negative experiences of mainstream schooling in the past, but missing so many classes means most struggle to keep up with the level of work that’s expected of them.
Save the Children’s Out Teach Mobile Education program has a proven track record for reducing youth re-offending and getting troubled young lives back on track. The school attendance rate of program participants has climbed to 92%, and 78% haven’t returned to court or detention after completing the program.
Why getting young people back on track is so important
Young people who have been involved in the criminal justice system, whether on bail or in detention, are often disengaged from school and less likely to do well in the education system. This can be a barrier for how their lives progress once they've left juvenile detention.
Tasmania has a high number of young people in the criminal justice system. Many don't have any substantial support once they re-enter the community. Their back stories often contain common themes of trauma, abuse and neglect, and many have had negative experiences with the mainstream school classroom environment.
Save the Children’s Out Teach Mobile Education program
Our Out Teach Mobile Education program supports these young people by helping them positively re-engage with their education. We work with girls and boys aged 12 to 18 to offer one-on-one teaching support that comes to them. Participation is voluntary, but young people are referred from the Transition from Detention and Supporting Young People on Bail programs.
A specialist educator – who is also a qualified and registered teacher – designs and implements an individual education plan for each student. The plans build on the strengths of each student, and work towards their personal goals.
We use a van as a mobile classroom, where students can learn in outdoor and informal settings – especially effective for students who struggle to learn in traditional classrooms. Our educators also work closely with youth workers to ensure the emotional and psychological needs of students are addressed so they can focus on their education and their future.