About Beyond the Gates
Beyond the Gates is an inclusive program that aims to support students and their families who may require additional or more versatile support services. The program has a flexible eligibility criteria, meaning referrals are made and prioritised in partnership between the school wellbeing team and Beyond the Gates staff.
This program can address any issues impacting on students’ achieving their full potential, including areas such as mental and physical ill-health, school attendance, suspensions and expulsions, family difficulties, trauma, anxiety, out-of-home care, behavioural problems, and any other struggles that impact wellbeing.
Beyond the Gates caseworkers are qualified CatholicCare staff based in Catholic schools in the Hunter-Manning areas. The program works alongside the schools’ wellbeing, learning support, and counselling teams to support families in need through case management or case coordination.
Through case management, a support plan is developed in collaboration with the students and their families to tailor fortnightly sessions that work towards desired goals. As part of the process, the caseworker liaises with the school and other agencies or supports involved, aiming to bridge the gap between the school and families to ensure holistic and consistent support is provided. Support is also provided to those students and families who may require more specialised support and services that are beyond the scope or expertise of the Beyond the Gates team. To facilitate access to the most suitable services, the case worker can leverage community networks, undertake referrals and generally support the family to engage with the most relevant and available resources.
Student and family engagement in our program is entirely voluntary. The service is provided by the schools to recognise and address developmental and life challenges that can sometimes create barriers to student wellbeing and achievement.
To find out more about Beyond the Gates, simply speak with the school’s wellbeing team.