Additional support for students impacted by trauma

12 November, 2020

Jeremy Rockliff MP

2020-21 Budget: Additional support for students impacted by trauma

The Tasmanian Government has a Plan to rebuild a stronger Tasmania and providing more support to younger Tasmanians impacted by trauma is an important part of strengthening our communities.

This State Budget builds on our existing commitments to mental health and wellbeing in our schools, with $14 million over the forward estimates to support students impacted by trauma or with emotional and behavioural challenges.

We recognise that experiences of trauma and disadvantage can have a large impact on brain development, affecting a child’s education experience and their capacity to learn.

The additional funding will support professional learning to ensure teachers and school staff have the skills and capacity to support students impacted by trauma in safe, calm learning environments.

It will also be used to increase support for individual students impacted by trauma based on their individual circumstances and need through mentors, teachers, or professional support staff.

Since coming to Government we have prioritised mental health and wellbeing in our schools, with an investment of $81 million to support students.

The Government committed $7.3 million over four years in the 2019-20 Budget to support students impacted by trauma, which has already had a positive impact in our schools with students showing greater engagement and we are now expanding this support.

Following the impacts of COVID-19, this initiative is important now more than ever to ensure our most vulnerable students can continue to participate in learning and pursue life opportunities.