Defence force families in South Australia will soon be able to access greater support in public schools following a planned change in the enrolment process.
Announced by the Department for Education, the new arrangements will see the parents and carers of students attending a public school who were able to identify themselves as a current or former member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) make use of a new digital enrolment form.
According to the department, the change will make it easier for schools to identify children of ADF parents, take advantage of additional localised supports, and refer them to Commonwealth Government support services.
“Things such as student support services, financial assistance and guidance and counselling will be made more accessible through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Education Schemes,” the Department said.
“The implementation of the additional support identifier will ensure Defence families are captured within the education system as part of the digital enrolment process,” it said.
“The change will ensure all entitlements are provided, along with additional support when families are moved, or the defence member is posted away for duty.”
The Department said the new form is to be will be developed this year in consultation with schools, parent associations and other relevant stakeholders.
“It is anticipated that the updated Digital Enrolment Form will be introduced in schools from Term 1 next year,” the Department said.
