Dunlea Centre has helped many young people and families struggling with school refusal. These young people have re-engaged in education, experienced success, reported improved mental health and are focused on achieving their future goals. Importantly, parents and caregivers have been supported leading to reduced stress and burnout.
As parents or caregivers, we all expect the occasional “I don’t want to go to school today.” But what happens when that morning resistance turns into a daily battle or even complete refusal to go?
School refusal occurs when the young person is reluctant or refuses to attend school. This is typically coupled with emotional distress. In comparison to truancy, the parents or caregivers know their young person is not attending school and have usually made persistent efforts to help their child get to school. Recently the term ‘school can’t’ has been used in favour of ‘school refusal’. According to Headspace, this shifts the stigmatising focus of blaming the young person to identifying and addressing the often complex underlying barriers.
The reasons for school can’t will differ. For example, the transition from primary school to high school has been shown to be a significant stressor for some young people. Other concerns like academic challenges, anxiety or depression, bullying, or a change in schools might lead to reduced school attendance. Some families are also navigating significant challenges like separation, parental physical and/or mental health concerns, or death of a loved one. These can all contribute to school can’t behaviours.
As a parent or caregiver it can feel overwhelming, isolating and you may be uncertain about where to turn for help. You’re not alone. Dunlea Centre offers a unique and effective support approach.
Dunlea Centre is the only organisation in Australia that offers a therapeutic and residential (Monday-Friday) program with a school positioned on-site. We focus on understanding the young person in relation to their unique family, peer and community systems. We tailor an individual approach to each family and work hard at helping the young person feel engaged and connected at Dunlea Centre. Once the young person arrives at Dunlea Centre on a Monday morning, we can support their emotional and social needs whilst attending school. Because they reside on-site during the week, the classroom is only a short walk away! Where practical, we have also provided in-home support to help the young person attend school.
Emma* is a 16 year old girl. She has been at Dunlea Centre for 18 months. Emma shares her story about school can’t and how Dunlea Centre provided support to help her get back on track.
What was school like for you before Dunlea Centre?
I went from a primary school of 150 students to a high school of 2000 students. I found it overwhelming, busy and noisy. My attendance dropped to 10%. Returning to school after Covid and lockdowns was also really hard.
What made it hard to get to school consistently?
I began feeling scared of attending school. I found it hard to learn and didn’t understand the ways the teachers were teaching. The more I fell behind, the more scared I became of going to school and trying to catch up. I felt sick most mornings. I also began to worry about my family at home.
How did Dunlea Centre help you increase your school attendance? What made the difference?
You get so much support at Dunlea Centre. The classrooms feel more relaxed with only small groups of students. Teachers helped me catch up on the work. The staff are kind and helpful. They even came to my house showing how much they cared. My attendance now is nearly 100%.
What excites you about your future?
The possibilities are endless! I want to stay at Dunlea Centre and complete the year 12 ATAR pathway.
School refusal is usually a sign of something bigger happening for your young person. Dunlea Centre can help to understand and formulate a plan to become unstuck and move forward. With the right support, young people can regain their confidence and reach their true potential. As parents and caregivers, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Reach out and come and see if Dunlea Centre can help your family. Remember, it does and will get better.
*Name changed to protect identity
