This section provides policy advice and information about school drug education plans. This section links to supporting documents for schools when self-evaluating, reviewing and planning a comprehensive drug education program.
A response to drug-related issues is a key priority for the Victorian Government. A harm minimisation approach is an important focus that aims to reduce the risks associated with drug use, and promote healthier, alternative behaviours for students.
School leaders provide the overall support for the drug education program. Generally this is through:
Drug Education Policy (Word - 58Kb) - provides a template for writing a drug education policy and drug related incident plan.
The following key supporting documents for principals provide further information to schools to assist them to develop policy and address drug related issues.
The Victorian Government Schools Reference Guide provides information on the Department’s drug education policy. The most relevant sections for schools in relation to drug education include:
Drugs and Schools: Legal Issues (PDF - 214Kb) - a 15 page guide to assist principals with practical responses to questions relating to drug issues. Principals should ensure that this information is made available to all staff and the school council. This guide is intended to be read in conjunction with the Victorian Government Schools Reference Guide and Effective Schools are Engaging Schools - Student Engagement Policy Guidelines.
Students are better prepared for learning when they are healthy, safe and happy; therefore, student welfare is the responsibility of all staff working in a whole school context. Student learning cannot be separated from welfare.
Student Wellbeing Policy - Framework for student support services - describes the principles, arrangements and the additional resources provided to strengthen student welfare and support services. Student Wellbeing provides additional information on frameworks and policies for health and wellbeing.
Keeping in Touch (The Kit) is an Australian government resource that has been designed to increase the knowledge and skills of school staff in providing early identification, effective responses and ongoing support to students across a range of drug use issues and incidents.
The following resources provide information for keeping young people connected to school or assist with case management planning for incidents occurring in schools.
A range of family support services are available to assist families with information, advice and counselling, see: Drug Education
In accordance with the Department’s School Accountability and Improvement Framework for Government Schools, schools are required to develop a drug education plan every four years to ensure that all students have access to drug education curriculum, programs and support. Government schools use the School Compliance Checklist to report that they have an effective drug education program and that includes policies to respond to drug related incidents.
Victorian schools are required to:
The following documents support the development of drug education plans:
The following examples are of school drug education plans which include goals and strategies that schools may consider. They apply to Prep-Year 12 and special schools.
Schools may wish to contact their Regional Senior Program Officers for support and to provide:
See: Contacts
In recognition of a shared responsibility for drug education, school leaders cultivate strategic partnerships with the local community and parents.
Parent engagement in drug education is the involvement of parents in any drug-related programs, strategies and communication to enhance the learning outcomes and wellbeing of students. Parents have a critical role to play in building the resilience of their children and helping them become healthy, active members of the community. See: Engaging Parents