Advocating for your child
Advocating for your child is about promoting positive change socially, emotionally and academically.
Why advocate
Children with higher needs or disabilities may not be able to speak up for their rights. You might need to do this on their behalf.
You may also need to advocate for your child even if they don’t have a disability. It could be because of challenges relating to your child’s:
- behaviour
- health
- education
- wellbeing
- environment.
What you can advocate about
You can advocate about any ongoing concern you have for your child or the school.
It could be about:
- school refusal
- negative peer influences
- bullying prevention
- sensory differences
- medical needs
- behaviour
- teachers.
Just by talking with your school you might be able to solve some concerns quickly. Other times, it might take longer to find the right strategies or solutions.
How to advocate
Schools won’t always know how your child is coping or feeling. You know your child best and when something is not working for them.
You can start by meeting with your child’s teacher or principal to discuss your concerns.
Remember, teachers are often required to attend professional development, planning sessions or meetings after school. First, call the school or email your teacher to arrange a meeting.
How you can prepare
Schools must work within a framework. This includes:
- The Disability Standards for Education
- The Convention on the Rights of the Child
- Department of Education - Students with disability policies and guidelines.
All NT Government schools policies can be found on the Department of Education website.
You don’t need an in-depth understanding of the policies and guidelines to advocate for your child. But an awareness can be helpful, especially if you’re concerned about your child’s rights.
It can also be helpful to rule out any health concerns.
You can get free:
- hearing tests
- eye test – speak with an optometrist - eye tests for children are often free with Medicare
- dental treatment
- therapy services.
You can also speak with your GP for referrals to other services and community support.
What the school can do
This will depend on what you are advocating for.
If it is about wellbeing and inclusion, the school may consider what reasonable adjustments or support can be given.
They will consider whether Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Program and Services (SWIPS) may also be able to provide support services or organise assessments.
Getting support
There are advocacy and community services you can access if you need more information, guidance or support.
Student advocacy project
The Department of Education funds 2 non-government organisations to help parents and carers advocate for their child:
Office of the Children's Commissioner (OCC)
One of the core functions of the OCC is to receive and respond to complaints about service delivery to vulnerable children in the Northern Territory.
Contact the office on the OCC website.
Australian Government - Department of Education
You can find resources for students with disability and their caregivers on the Australian Government's Department of Education website.
Community support
Find other community support services.
Make a complaint
You can also make a complaint with the Department of Education.