The ‘National Trend of School Refusal and Related Matters’ report was released last week, following the government-initiated enquiry into School refusal in late 2022. The report details 14 recommendations, including:
- The Government to explore increasing the number of subsidised mental health care sessions for students experiencing school refusal
- Education Ministers to develop a national action plan on school refusal within 12 months
- Research into the drivers of school refusal and the evaluation of current treatments
- Development of resources, trauma-informed practices in schools, screening tools and early intervention strategies
- A review of child health and development screening programs to identify opportunities to improve early identification of autism, ADHD, specific learning disorders, and anxiety disorders
- Exploration of more flexible education delivery
- The creation of a peer support network for families
AAPi will continue to advocate for evidence-based support for families and students experiencing school refusal, emphasising the need for more psychologists in schools and improved access to psychologists in the community.