By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A program that helps put 32 disengaged Casey youth back on the rails each year is facing an uncertain future.
For 10 years, Operation Newstart Casey has been run in Narre Warren, relying on a mix of State Government funding as well as donations from schools and community groups.
Its personal development program helps groups of up to eight at-risk teens who have been referred by Casey schools.
Its leading teacher James Seeary – who runs a tight staff of four – said funding had been tighter in recent years, with Victoria Police and several schools withdrawing support.
Its $30,000 shortfall in 2017 was covered by the Department of Education and Training. But there’s no guarantee that the arrangement will continue next year, Mr Seeary said.
Operation Newstart Casey has instead been invited to apply for Engage! state grant funding for up to three years.
The program has a high success rate – 90 per cent go on to a job or further study. It costs the community a lot more if they “drop out”, Mr Seeary says.
It is built on listening to and supporting the students and their families.
It introduces the students to different life activities, hoping to ignite passions and interests. And it builds their resilience.
The program is supported by youth and social workers from YSAS and DHHS.
“The most important thing we do is build the self-esteem for kids not engaging with school – say who are attending only 40 or 50 per cent at school,” Mr Seeary said.
Past students have blossomed to university degrees.
“We help them get up to 100 per cent and get on with their mainstream education.”
Mr Seeary says there was enough demand for an expanded service, not a diminished one.
“If I had more staff, I’d love to take the service to more kids and schools.
“There are some other support agencies in this field, but they’re hard to get kids into.”
Casey’s Councillor Amanda Stapledon raised the program’s plight at a recent Casey Council meeting.
The council resolved to write to the State Government to continue its funding, and support the program’s grant application.
She said a video of Operation Newstart parents testifying to the positive change in their children was “the most powerful thing”.
A State Government spokesman said the Department of Education and Training was working with the government to secure 2018 funding at the behest of Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan.
It offered support programs for disengaged young people such as Navigator and Lookout, as well as an early-intervention School Focused Youth Service, he said.
“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to helping students stay in school.”
