Youth Policy Forums: Event Two

Young People and Homelessness

Policy Considerations for Schools

In 2021 the Australian College of Educators, Flinders University College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, and the Commissioner for Children and Young People are hosting a series of Youth Policy Forums on issues impacting young people’s engagement with education.  Each forum will focus on a different issue including mental health, legal issues, homelessness and transitions to employment.

The second Policy Forum is Young People and Homelessness – Policy Considerations for Schools.

As the numbers of homeless families increase, it is time to look at the impact of this on children and young people and explore how this is playing out in schools and the support available to keep homeless students connected to school and learning.

You will hear from our Key Note Speaker David Pearson, CEO of Australian Alliance to End Homelessness. Followed by Q&A with a stakeholder panel including:

• Trish Hall,  Senior Advisor, Attendance and Engagement, Department of Education
• Ian Cox, Head of Office for Homelessness Sector Integration at SA Housing Authority
• Debra Lockwood, General Manager Children’s Services at Relationships Australia

Moderated by the Commissioner for Children and YoungPeople Helen Connolly.

Designed for a broad audience of educators, youth workers, policy makers, researchers, advocates and service providers, the Forums will examine critical issues faced by young people and how we can work together to respond to the challenges.