Students who are carers - government support
2153. Hon Alison Xamon to the Minister for Energy representing the Minister for Education I refer to the estimated 40,000 young people in Western Australia who care for a parent, sibling or other family member with a disability, mental illness or long-term illness, and the impact this has on their schooling and ask —
(1) Does the Minister have any plans to develop and implement a Departmental policy on students as carers?
(2) Will the Minister develop a range of materials to support students who are carers, including guidelines for teachers and other school staff?
(3) What other support mechanisms are being made available?
(4) Who is being consulted about the content and provision or materials and services?
Hon PETER COLLIER replied:
(1) I understand that the figure of 40 000 young people caring for a parent, sibling or other family member who has a disability, mental illness or long-term illness is approximate and has been provided by Carers WA. The Department of Education's approach is encapsulated in the Students at Educational Risk policy. This policy requires schools to develop and implement appropriate educational programs for individuals and groups of students at risk such as young carers. These programs must be responsive to the individual needs of students and use performance data and outcomes as key elements of school planning. Schools must also collaborate with key stakeholders in the development of educational plans for these students. Furthermore, the Department provides support for young carers to minimise the impact on their schooling through access to specialist school support staff such as school nurses, chaplains and school psychologists. Where appropriate these students can opt to study and be supported through Schools of Isolated Distance Education (SIDE). SIDE usually enrols up to three students who care for a parent, sibling or other family member per year. There are no carer enrolments this year.
(2) Since 2007, public secondary schools have been provided with the resource Supporting Young Carers in Secondary Schools. This resource was developed by the Department of Family and Community Services and Department of Indigenous Affairs and provides the information teachers need to support identified young carers. Department staff meet regularly with Carers WA (incorporating Young Carers) and ensure relevant information is communicated to schools and school support staff.
(3) As indicated in (1), support mechanisms through school staff and Student Services' teams that may include school nurses, chaplains and school psychologists will continue to be provided for young carers.
(4) The Department of Education will continue to meet regularly with Carers WA and ensure that relevant information is communicated to Student Services' staff in district offices and schools, school support staff and other stakeholders such as the Western Australian Secondary School Executives' Association, the Western Australian Primary Principals' Association and the Western Australian District High Schools Association.