School Focused Youth Service
“Working in partnership with schools and agencies to develop innovative and life enhancing opportunities for young people”
Program background
School Focused Youth Service (SFYS) is a statewide service that was created in 1998 and developed in line with recommendations that came out of the Victorian Suicide Prevention taskforce.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges Youth Services auspices the School Focused Youth Service (SFYS) Program in the Yarra Ranges.
About SFYS
SFYS is a joint initiative of the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD), in partnership with the Catholic Education Office and the Association of Independent Schools of Victoria.
The aim of the program is to develop a more coordinated and integrated response for young people aged 10-18, who are at risk of developing behaviours that make them vulnerable to self harm, disengagement from school, family or community, or who are displaying behaviours which require support and intervention.
SFYS works with schools and community organisations to facilitate supportive networks, develop collaborative projects, improve service gaps and improve the current service system for young people.
In the context of Yarra Ranges
In 2006, a needs analysis was conducted with local schools and agencies. The needs analysis is conducted every two years and the 2008 report will be released by July 2008.
The following priorities from the 2006 needs analysis currently guide the work of SFYS in the Yarra Ranges:
1. Depressed mood and depressive disorders
2. Violence
3. Early School Leaving
4. Self harm
5. Sexuality
What’s in it for schools and agencies?
ª Central reference point for advice and support for schools and agencies to establish new partnerships and to work collaboratively
ª Opportunities for schools to build local relationships with agencies who can assist the school in responding to issues with students and families
Resources available
Yarra Ranges SFYS in partnership with other agencies has developed resources to support local schools and service providers in their work. These resources include:
The Quick Flip Guide – a resource to support primary and secondary schools and service providers with information on many of the key issues that children and young people experience. The guide includes information on nineteen topics and issues, strategies for teachers/professionals, parents and young people, contact details of local agencies and service providers and a listing of resources and relevant websites.
Self Harm Resource – a resource designed for secondary schools in collaboration with Eastern Health CAMHS, comprising a series of fact sheets for teachers, parents and students, guidelines for schools and a set-by-step flow chart for responding to student self harm.
Brokerage Booklet – highlighting the SFYS brokerage program and previously funded projects at both primary and secondary level, identifying partnerships, project outcomes and approximate amounts funded.
Brokerage Funding
SYFS has a $50,000 brokerage round, which is in the Yarra Ranges is offered once per year. Brokerage is open to all schools and community organisations to apply for initiatives to support young people.
The 2008 brokerage round opens 14th July and closes Friday 24th October.
Student Welfare Network
The Student Welfare Network is a network for primary and secondary school staff and community agency workers to share information, raise and respond to local issues, and facilitate linkages amongst schools and service providers. The network meets once per term at the Lillydale Lake and also offers professional development opportunities throughout the year.
Contact the SFYS Coordinator
For further details about the program, brokerage information, the student welfare network or to discuss support for your school or agency, please contact Katie Pulling, SFYS Coordinator at Shire of Yarra Ranges Youth Services.
Ph: 9294 6716 or email: k.pulling@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
