Education services
Out-of-home care
Education Support Services for Children In Residential Care (CIRC) Program
Gippsland region
South Eastern region
The Children in Residential Care (CIRC) program, supports young people in residential care to connect, or re-stablish their education and pathways. The CIRC program team are experienced Specialist Educators using a trauma-informed approach, along with up-to-date integration and teaching strategies.
A trauma-informed approach to education
We recognise that trauma has impacted the lives and development of our students, and that there are often barriers for them to engage with education. Students often have gaps in their learning as a result of their life circumstances.
We believe that all young people can learn and achieve, and that education is important to them.
How it works
The goal is to get young people linked back into learning. CIRC provides education and pathway advocacy for young people who are disengaged or require reconnection.
CIRC teachers provide assertive outreach, form positive relationships with young people and develop an Individual Education Plan with them. We provide support and advocacy, and liaise with their care team and education settings to enable them to reach their education potential.
We also help students connect with education or training that meets their needs.
The CIRC program is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
About the team
The CIRC team has extensive experience working with the most vulnerable young people in care.
CIRC workers in our Gippsland and the South Eastern regions:
- are registered teachers with wide experience in specialist education settings
- are active members of the student’s care team
- work collaboratively with case managers and other workers to support.
Guiding principles
CIRC is guided by 5 principles:
- Education is a human right.
- Our students have experienced trauma through no fault of their own.
- People who have experienced trauma and stress can learn, grow and thrive.
- Schools can be safe places for our young people to belong.
- Schools can adopt evidence based strategies to help students achieve at school and recover from trauma.
Contact us
For more information about CIRC, or to make a referral in our Gippsland and South Eastern regions, please contact Chad Cooper on 03 9239 1400 or ccooper@berrystreet.org.au.
Getting back to school (Navigator program)
