Every year, far too many students face suspension across NSW schools which often sets them on a challenging path toward unemployment and even incarceration. Tragically, it is young people who experience marginalisation or disadvantage – such as students living with disability or those who identify as First Nations – that are more likely to be suspended. The Y NSW’s Alternative Suspension program offers young people aged 12 to 18 years who are suspended, or at risk of being so, an opportunity to reset, reclaim their futures and rediscover their potential.
The Y NSW is hosting an inspiring forum in November to highlight the success of its innovative Alternative Suspension Program. The Reset and Rise Forum, set to take place on 7 November, will not only celebrate the remarkable achievements of the program so far, but will also serve as a platform to unveil exciting news about the program’s future.
The innovative Alternative Suspension program provides structured support, guidance and a safe space for students to address the causes of their disengagement from school while they build positive self-worth, goals, social skills and plans for their future. By doing so, the program seeks to increase participant’s resilience and ability to persevere in education, and importantly break the cycle of repeat suspensions.
"At the Y NSW, we believe school suspensions are a human rights issue. Every young person deserves an education and support when they are at risk. The Alternative Suspension program is not just about keeping kids in school, it's about empowering them to reimagine their futures and understand the underlying causes of the initial suspended behaviour, so that they can move forward with their lives in a positive and productive way," said Louisa McKay, Executive Leader Purpose & Impact at the Y NSW.
“So far, the program has demonstrated incredible success. We’re excited to make some announcements at this forum that will see many other students supported through the program,” she continued.
This event will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers including Zoe Robinson, Advocate for Children and Young People and David Gonski AC, whose work on the Gonski Review Report is instrumental in shaping education policy in Australia. Together, they will explore the issues related to equitable education, the impact of suspensions on students, the disproportionate challenges faced by young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and the positive difference the Alternative Suspension program can make.
“This forum will bring together school principals, community partners and education advocates as we collectively explore how we can further reduce the cycle of suspension and marginalisation. Attendees will learn how the Alternative Suspension program is making an impact, the stories of the students it has helped and the future potential for widespread change,” added Ms McKay.
For more information on Alternative Suspension or to express interest in attending this Forum, please visit www.bit.ly/ynsw-reset-rise.
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