AVITH in Context: Supporting Families with School Attendance

The AVITH in Context: School Attendance webinar brought together stakeholders from various sectors to explore how school attendance issues intertwine with adolescent aggression, offering valuable insights and strategies to address these interconnected challenges.

Speakers, Associate Professor Lisa McKay-Brown, The University of Melbourne and Tiffany Westphal, Student Stress Investigation highlighted the significant role education plays in mitigating adolescent violence in the home.

School attendance is not only an indicator of engagement but also a protective factor against behavioural escalation. The session delved into systemic barriers such as socioeconomic challenges, trauma histories, and inadequate support structures, which can exacerbate both school disengagement and family violence.

Trauma-informed practices in education

A central theme of the webinar was the importance of creating safe and supportive educational environments. Speakers emphasised the need for collaboration between schools, families, and child welfare services to implement trauma-informed practices addressing the unique needs of affected adolescents.

Collaborating for Change

The session underscored the value of interdisciplinary partnerships in addressing AVITH and school disengagement. By building stronger connections between educators, social workers, and policymakers, communities can develop comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of violence and disengagement.

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