The Malinauskas Labor Government’s $50 million investment into mental health and learning support specialists has reached a significant milestone.

More than 58 of the 100 mental health practitioner roles are already filled – over halfway towards fully delivering on the government’s election commitment. Of the allocation, 25 are already working in our schools across the state.
Following a successful pilot in nine schools last year, it was announced that embedded mental health practitioners would be placed in up to 65 South Australian public secondary schools – with sites chosen by most need.
As of term three, schools in Adelaide’s south receiving the service include Aldinga Payinthi College, Seaview High School, Wirreanda Secondary School, Christies Beach High School, Seaford Secondary College, Hamilton secondary College, Willunga High School, Springbank Secondary College and the Australian Science and Mathematics School.

Along with the mental health practitioners, the learning support specialist roles include:
·       Social and truancy workers
·       Aboriginal support and inclusion leads
·       Specialist behavioral educators
·       YERTA program for Aboriginal students – delivered by Kornar Winmil Yunti (KWY)
·       A team of Autism Inclusion coordinators to support the professional development of Autism Inclusion Teachers.
·       Occupational Therapists

Recruitment is currently underway for a further 12 member Flexible Service Response Team – including psychologists, speech pathologists and a cultural community liaison coordinator to deploy to schools.
The Premier Peter Malinauskas and Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer today celebrated the milestone by meeting the new recruits at Springbank Secondary College.
The mental health workforce includes psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists and will be available to work one-on-one to support students and teachers, student support officers and principals to help develop programs that improve mental health and resilience of the whole school community.

Quotes

Attributable to Peter Malinauskas

My government is proud to be investing in the mental health and wellbeing of students across South Australia – and today marks an important milestone in delivering on our election commitment.
Whether it be banning mobile phones, or employing psychologists, we’re committed to improving the wellbeing of our school students – which we know will improve their ability to learn.
I would encourage anyone with the relevant experience to consider applying for these important roles and make a difference to young people’s lives and for the future of our state.

Attributable to Blair Boyer

These roles are so important to improve student results because we can’t expect students to achieve academically if they are struggling with their mental health.
The Mental Health Practitioners are providing key early intervention mental health services for students.
The appointment of 100 mental health and learning support specialists in South Australian public schools is an important step forward to support students, not only now, but well into the future – and I’m pleased we can offer this support throughout South Australia, including in the regions through this flexible model.

Attributable to Springbank Secondary College Principal Wendy House

Springbank Secondary College is pleased to host the Premier and the Minister today, along with the new recruits in the support and welfare space who will be providing a range of services to students across the public education system.
We are also really excited to have the School Mental Health Service working at our school with our wellbeing team.
Their support will not just be important for individuals and their families but help provide support and guidance for the wider staff ensuring we are best placed to support students with issues such as anxiety.