|
Hornery, Sonia to the
Minister for Education
|
- When did the Government decide to discontinue funding for the successful
Plan-It Youth HunterCentral Coast mentoring program after its funding runs out
in January 2013?
- Why did the Government make this decision?
- What other programs will the Government put in place to replace this
program?
|
|
Answer -
|
- In September 2007 the Evaluation of the Plan-It Youth Mentoring Program was
undertaken by Erebus International. A series of recommendations resulted from
the evaluation and extensive feedback on the recommendations was obtained,
including the recommendation that the program be undertaken within the broader
policy framework of the Department of Education and Communities' 15-19 Year Old
Strategy. As a result, additional funds were provided directly to regions for a
4 year period which concludes in June 2012.
From the 2012–13
financial year regions will continue to use available equity funding flexibly
to target the needs of 15 to 19 year olds and will make local decisions about
the use of mentoring programs, including the Plan-It Youth Program.
- This Government is committed to local decision-making which recognises that
regions and schools are well placed to identify the specific strategies to
support young people who are most at risk of disengaging from education,
training or employment.
- The Hunter⁄Central Coast Region is currently exploring options about
the future role of mentors in regard to supporting vulnerable 15 to 19 year old
students. A number of support strategies are available at the school and
regional level to support these students. Resources such as the support
document for regions targeting 15-19 year olds and guidelines for mentoring and
supporting students also remain available for school and regional use.
|
|
|
Question asked on 2 April 2012 (session 55-1)
and printed in
Questions & Answers Paper No. 80
|
|
Answer received on 7 May 2012
and printed in
Questions & Answers Paper No. 87
|
