Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opening of Forrest Parade School, which will provide much needed special education for children with disabilities and challenging behaviours. This school will be the first of its kind in Palmerston and will help to meet the great demand in community.

Jared Sharp, Jesuit Social Services’ General Manager in the Northern Territory, says schools that can tailor the classroom teaching to the individual needs of the children go a long way to preventing educational disengagement and addressing each child’s learning needs.

“We know that a number of children in the justice system have learning disabilities alongside histories of disengagement from school. Investing in some of society’s most vulnerable young people through education gives them the best chance in life, and is crucial to setting people on positive pathways,” he says

Jesuit Social Services’ submission to the Northern Territory 17-18 Budget flagged access to education and support to disadvantaged communities among its priorities.

The organisation recommended student needs-based funding to ensure extra resources go to schools with the greatest need, as well as a system and support mechanisms for young people reintegrating into school and training pathways.

Opening Forrest Parade School is part of the Northern Territory Government’s $8 million investment in children with special needs.

“The importance of a good education cannot be underestimated, especially when we know that the majority of young people involved in the Northern Territory’s youth justice system have disengaged from education,” says Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards.

“This funding will see children and young people with disability receive the individualized education they need to flourish.”

Media enquiries – Kathryn Kernohan, 0409 901 248 or kathryn.kernohan@jss.org.au