ntg-mono

Advocating for your child

Advocating for your child is about promoting positive change socially, emotionally and academically.

Why advocate

Children with additional needs including disability may need additional support 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
  • reasonable adjustments
  • 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:

All NT Government schools policies can be found on the Department of Education and Training 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:

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 service

The Department of Education and Training funds an independent non-government organisation to help parents and carers advocate for their child.

54 Reasons, part of Save the Children Australia, provides a free advocacy service that supports collaborative consultation between families and schools. 54 Reasons can help make sure your child feels welcome, safe and able to learn.

To learn more, get the factsheet PDF (458.3 KB).

Contact a 54 Reasons student advocate

To enquire, contact 54 Reasons:

For more information, visit the 54 Reasons website.

Anyone seeking support for a student in NT government schools can also complete the Student Advocacy Service referral form and return it to the email address above.

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.