Y Case Management
If your school is seeking tailored support for students, from providing access to information and referrals to assisting with goal setting or offering informal counselling, our nonjudgmental and approachable case workers at Y Case Management are here to help. We're committed to working closely with your team to support the unique needs of your students.
What is the Y Case Management?
Since 1844 the Y WA has believed in the power of inspired young people and has provided opportunities for children and young people to flourish in body, mind, and spirit. One of the ways we support young people is through the Y Case Management, a vital service that provides a safe space for young people to build their support networks, overcome challenges, remain in education, and contribute to their community.
How long has the Y provided case management?
We have provided Y Case Management to vulnerable young people at risk of educational disengagement for over 10 years.
Where do we currently offer Y Case Management?
We currently provide case management at:
We also support local high schools in the City of Armadale, City of Belmont, City of Vincent and Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale. Examples include Mt Lawley Senior High School, Churchlands Senior High School, Bob Hawke College, Kelmscott Senior High School, Cecil Andrews College, Armadale SHS, Byford Secondary College, Belmont City College and Belmay Primary School.
What is our new Y Case Management offering?
In 2025, we will also offer other schools in West Australia the opportunity to secure Y Case Management at their school for the start of the 2025 school term.
Why do schools need Y Case Management?
Consultation with stakeholders and sector representatives reinforces the absolute need to support young people and the benefits a case management offering can provide. Recent report findings also support the need for case management among West Australian young people. Moreover, schools are facing rising mental health and behavioral issues, leading to more classroom disruptions and increased pressure on teachers.
What does Y Case Management look like in schools?
Schools will be provided with an experienced case worker to offer early intervention and personalised support for at-risk students. Examples of support include goal setting, psychosocial education, risk assessments, mental health support, specialist referrals, resume writing, job applications, homelessness assistance, Centrelink support and more.
How do schools benefit from these services?
Our Y Case Management services support vulnerable students, reduce classroom disruptions and improve overall educational outcomes for all students. Case management allows schools to be more inclusive of all students. Y Case Management program can assist schools to demonstrate a high level of support, which may assist schools to apply for additional funding.
What age group at schools do we provide case management to?
Case management can be delivered to upper primary (Year 5 and 6) and high school students. Young people at this age are at the correct developmental level to fully benefit from case management.
How is the service customised to fit our school's needs?
We tailor our services to meet the specific needs of your school and the young people we support, ensuring the support aligns with your unique challenges and goals.
Can we see examples of how your case management has helped other schools?
From July 2023 and June 2024, 138 young people benefited from our case management. Our evidence-based approach has shown improvements in students' confidence, competence, and overall well-being.
Read Their Stories Here
How long do Schools sign on for?
Schools are required to sign on for a year. This duration provides time for the school to observe the impact of student participation in case management.
How long can a young person be supported?
A young person receiving case management can receive support for as long as needed. Our case workers will conduct an assessment and collaborate with the young person to identify goals. This ensures that the support is tailored to their specific needs. Some young people may only require a short-term intervention, while others may need ongoing support due to the complexity of their situation or the number of goals they wish to achieve.
What is the frequency of contact with a young person?
Typically, a case worker will meet with a young person every week. However, this frequency can vary based on individual needs. A young person in crisis who requires immediate support may meet with a case worker several times a week, while someone nearing the end of their support may reduce meetings to fortnightly or monthly check-ins.
Is parent consent required?
Yes, parental consent is required to meet a young person on the school site. However, for young people aged sixteen, we can provide support if case management does not occur on the school site.
Is there out of school hours support for young people?
Our case workers typically work until 5 pm and are contactable until they finish. Case workers are flexible and will work outside of typical outside hours to provide individualised support to young people if required. Our case workers will collaborate with young people to develop safety plans that include strategies and resources for after-hours care. This may involve connecting them with relevant after-hours support services. Case workers will also continue to provide support to young people across school holidays.
What qualification do our case workers have?
All our case workers require a minimum of a certificate IV in youth work or an adjacent field. Typically, our case workers hold a diploma or university-level qualification in social work, youth work, counselling, or psychology. We also require our case workers to have additional training in mental health first aid, suicide intervention, first aid, trauma-informed care, and youth worker code of ethics. Additionally, we provide regular training and upskilling to ensure they are knowledgeable about the latest research and trends. All case workers are required to have a current WWC and police clearance.
What resources do we require from the school?
All we require from the school is a confidential, quiet room to meet with young people. The Y WA will provide all other necessary resources, including IT equipment, engagement tools, and support materials.
How can you get started with Y Case Management services?
To get started with Y Case Management, please complete the expression of interest form by Friday October 18. This timeframe will ensure the Y can customize a program agreement and have a case management program in your school day 1 of first term 2025.
Complete the Expression of Interest form Here
What is the cost of Y Case Management services?
Costs will be provided to schools following receipt of an expression of interest and discussion related to your school’s need.
Who can refer to us?
We take referrals from:-
- Young people - you can refer yourself
- Family/caregivers
- Schools
- Government agencies
- Health professionals
- Community and social agencies/services
Your referral is confidential and won’t be disclosed or discussed with any other parties without the consent of the young person.
Download Referral Form Here
Get in touch
Should you have any questions or wish to discuss our approach further, email us at casemanagement@ymcawa.org.au