Special Circumstances (the Referral Program)

The Referral Program is coordinated by SIDE’s School Psychologists and is designed to provide support to students from Years K-12 who are genuinely unable to attend school due to:

• severe medical/chronic health problems
• severe mental health issues
• a pregnancy or parenting responsibilities.

On making an enquiry to the Referral Program, information is gathered about the student and eligibility is determined.
Generally, to be eligible for the Referral Program there must be :

• a demonstrated reason why a student is not able to attend a regular school
• a plan in place to address the difficulty (eg ongoing counselling/treatment).

Supporting documentation is required to substantiate the nature of the condition.
Enrolment in the Referral Program is not considered to be a long term alternative to a regular school.  Enrolments are reviewed regularly to determine eligibility.
The role of SIDE School Psychologists is to:

• case manage the student’s SIDE enrolment
• monitor and review their progress
• provide counselling and support
• liaise with other agencies as required
• assist with the return to a school or program (where appropriate).