Support in Schools

Primary Welfare Officer Initiative

In 2004, the first of three phases of the Primary Welfare Officer Initiative was introduced. By 2006, the equivalent of 256 full time primary welfare officer positions were funded in 450 Victorian schools identified as having high needs. 

In 2007, the government announced as part of the state budget, the second iteration of the Primary Welfare Officer initiative. In 2008 573 high need schools will receive Primary Welfare Officer funding.

The following information has been developed to enhance the capacity of schools and primary welfare officers to support students who are at-risk of disengagement from school and who are not reaching their educational potential:

• Wellbeing strategies for schools
• Case studies
• Frequently asked questions

See also the following resources:

• Primary Welfare Officer Initiative Guidelines (2008) (PDF - 502Kb)
• Suggested Primary Welfare Officer Position Description (Word - 102Kb)

For more information about the Primary Welfare Officer Initiative you can contact the Department's Regional Offices.