The Y NSW Alternative Suspension Program is a pilot project for Australia that comes with more than 20 successful years of delivery in Canada and Europe. The program was developed by YMCA du Quebec and has been delivered to more than 30 communities across Canada, France and the United Kingdom, with 3000 young people referred annually. Another 13 programs were launched globally throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alternative Suspension (AS) transforms the student’s suspension period away from school into a positive experience, fostering personal development and autonomy. By putting disengaged students in an environment that promotes self-worth, goal setting, the acquisition of social skills and community respect, the program seeks to increase its participants’ resilience and ability to persevere in education, reducing the number of repeat suspensions.
Qualified youth workers will support parents, schools and participants to work together, developing action plans for the earliest and smoothest transition of the young person back into mainstream education or alternative training pathways.
If you would like more information about Alternative Suspension, please send us an email at alt.suspension@ymcansw.org.au.
Do you have a student that you would like to refer to the program?
Complete a student referral today!
Media Coverage
A Lifeline for Suspended Kids - Education Today
Nov. 12, 2024 READ
- 'Alternative suspension program offers hope for vulnerable youth' - News of the Area (PDF)
- 'A new alternative suspension program for youth aged 12 to 18 launched' - Child Magazines (PDF)
- 'New program to help reduce repeat school suspensions' - Coast Community News (PDF)
- 'Alternative Suspension launching on Central Coast' - NBN News (Video)
- 'Helping suspended students back to school' - Open Forum (PDF)
- 'Alternative school suspension program launches' - Technology Decisions (PDF)
- 'When John’s son is suspended from school, he usually plays video games. This time was different' - Sydney Morning Herald (PDF)
- 'A New Take on Suspensions' - Education Today
The Y (YMCA) Alternative Suspension program was founded by the YMCAs of Quebec, in Montreal, Canada. The YMCAs of Quebec are an instrumental partner in the continued development of the program.
