NCJ Number
164781
Journal
Youth Studies Australia Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1996) Pages: 11-18
Date Published
1996
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper reports on a survey that sought to determine the number of students in Australian secondary schools who are at risk of homelessness, and a prevention program is described.
Abstract
So as to make generalizations about the at-risk population, it was necessary to conduct the survey in a broad cross-section of communities. The research was conducted during 1996, and the questions were part of a student needs survey. Sixty-three schools participated in the project, which included nine communities in five States. The sample consisted of 41,000 secondary school students. The questionnaire solicited information on whether the student had run away from home in the past 12 months, whether the student felt safe at home, the degree of conflict with parents, whether the student would like to move out of home soon, and whether the student was happy at home. The study found that in a typical school with 1,000 students, there were 100 to 140 students who were at risk of leaving home; this included 40 to 60 students who were at serious risk. The paper concludes that there is a need for an effective welfare infrastructure in all schools. The Bristol Heights Secondary College is an example of a school that supports homeless students and those who are at risk of homelessness. It has a core of committed teachers and an interventionist welfare philosophy; a dynamic full-time counselor who assists students and has strong links with the community; a pastoral care system in the school; and practices for identifying and assisting homeless students and those at risk. 6 tables and 20 references