Tvet program for students with mental Health issues

Coco

Hi, guys, this is the first time i post here. My son is in Y11. He has depression and anxiety in the last one year or so. We have just being through the very difficult time in the last two weeks. Upon returning to school, he was very down and refused to continue school and just wanted to go to tafe or just drop out. Ater so much difficult talks with him, we finally found that his presure are from some elective subjects he reluctantly choose last year as he doesnt have better choice. He did well academicly last year despite his depression, especially for those subjects he's interested in. But he does feel hard to focus on the theory based, or hard subjects as his constant poor sleeping quality greatly impacts his concentration. We approached the school and discussed the options of EVET in Hospitality. The school strongly disagree with this pathway as they worried my son may fail this Hospitality course. After we promised that we will keep the school's subjects as safety net, they finally agree to proceed my son's EOI to Tafe. But this afternoon, they said they received decline letter from two local Tafes (the two choices we list in the form). My son is so disappointed. As he is so looking forward to do Hospitality intead of the subject he has to do at school. And I'm worried he might not be willing to go to school again. My questions is if the school has the right to release my son's mental health to tafe? if the tafe can exclude my son ffrom EVET because of his mental health? if the school has the right to stop our application? Can i really trust the school. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Croix

Dear Coco~

Welcome here to the Forum. If you look around you may others who have been in the same situation. It is a very worrying time for you as like nearly all parents having their children do well at school is seen as a passport to a better life. If a young person refuses ot go to school htere is no way to force them - which would probably be for them anyway.

Rules about confidentiality may vary from state to state, I don't know for NSW. I do know in my state this is confidential information and as far as I know is only passed from the health system to a school if there is danger to the student or to others.

In their application did Ryde and Ultimo specifically ask in their entry forms about mental health? I'd be surprised if they did, and more surprised if the refused on the grounds they specifically said was metal health, more likely on an academic record.

Is this the only pathway your son can take to learning hospitality?

If this is not the case here then it might well be a breach of confidentiality and you may be able to take some form of action. I would suggest you get a professional opinion

before going further.

Can you make any sort of arrangement with the scholl where his curriculum is changed to suit him better? Have you talked with him about what he wants and feels?

Also is it possible his finding it hard to focus on theory subjects is not just lack of interest, but the way his mind works. I would suggest that in addition to treatment for anxiety and depression he be tested to find if he has any other conditon.

If you would like to come back and talk more you would be very welcome.

Croix