To assist schools in becoming safe working and learning environments, and to support the health, safety and wellbeing of their staff and students, Safeguarding Kids Together has been launched in Term 1 2021 in selected schools. The program has expanded from the School Communities Working Together program, established in 2016.

The program will provide schools with a proactive, risk management approach to reducing the likelihood and impact of high risk-taking behaviours. A multi-disciplinary Health and Safety Directorate team will focus on building cohesive and respectful school communities, identifying and supporting students with vulnerabilities and effectively managing incidents and planning for recovery. In addition, a case management team continues to support schools with individual students engaging in high risk-taking behaviours.

Safeguarding Kids Together will be evaluated during 2021 to identify the benefits to participating schools.

Vanessa Lahoud, Specialist Programs Director may be contacted for more information on 7814 1656 or by email at vanessa.lahoud@det.nsw.edu.au.