18 July 2012

Evidence supports Judge Becroft’s call for social support hubs

Family Commission research supports Principal Youth Court Judge Becroft’s assertion that schools continuing to engage young people, rather than expel them, is a resilience factor against crime, and schools can be a very positive force for young people in challenging situations.

Children that are sent home are more likely to come from families with wider social issues including financial stress and parenting problems. Family Commission research also backs up Becroft’s suggestion that the government should consider supporting schools to create ‘social service hubs’.

Principal Research Analyst Dr David Stuart says that good relationships and communication between parents, schools and social services leads to better family situations for all members of the family.

“Young people who are presenting challenging behaviour at schools will often be from families that are facing a number of difficulties,” Dr Stuart said.

“Our research suggests that if schools have the right relationships with their families and good networks across areas such as social services and health, they are in a strong position to facilitate appropriate support when things go wrong.

“This is achievable without turning teachers into social workers. It relies on schools thinking about families and developing good relationships with appropriate agencies and professionals in their community,” he said.

“Schools such as Victory Primary School in Nelson enrol the whole family and concern themselves with the health and wellbeing of the wider community that surrounds the child and this has turned the school and community around.”

Victory Village developed a wraparound approach. Families with complex needs were case managed and supported with resources, activities and services across the network. Collaboration was common within and across the various sectors including health and education.

“To this end the Government’s recent expansion of social workers in schools, the extension of school based health services to decile 3 secondary schools and the Prime Minister’s introduction of youth workers in low decile secondary schools is welcome,” Dr Stuart said.

Family Commission Research

http://www.familiescommission.org.nz/publications/research-reports/paths-of-victory
http://www.familiescommission.org.nz/publications/research-reports/sent-home

ENDS

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