The Thrive Program supports students by providing academic tutoring, mentoring and opportunities for social and emotional learning. Thrive works collaboratively with students, carers, and schools to help young people reconnect with learning, develop their strengths, and achieve positive educational outcomes.
The program is available to students, aged 5-18 years, who are living in a foster or kinship care placement in Melbourne’s western metropolitan region.
Thrive offers a range of support, including:
- Individual tutoring to strengthen literacy, numeracy, and academic skills.
- Mentoring to build confidence and motivation for learning.
- Student brokerage to provide access to learning resources and extracurricular activities.
- Educational advocacy to ensure young people receive the support they need at school.
How to access this service
Thrive is available to children and young people who:
- Are living in foster care or kinship care.
- Are disengaged or at risk of disengaging from education.
- Are case contracted to MacKillop Family Services, Baptcare, OzChild, Anglicare, or Uniting Services within the Western region.
This program is fully funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH).
Frequently asked questions about The Thrive Program
Who is eligible for the Thrive Program?
Thrive is available to children and young people in foster or kinship care who are disengaged or at risk of disengagement from school. They must also be case-contracted to MacKillop Family Services, Baptcare, OzChild, Anglicare, or Uniting Services within the Western region.
What kind of support does Thrive provide?
Thrive offers a range of tailored educational supports, including:
- One-on-one tutoring to improve literacy, numeracy, and overall academic skills.
- Mentoring and coaching to build self-esteem and motivation.
- Educational brokerage to assist with learning materials, technology, and extracurricular activities.
- Advocacy and school engagement to ensure young people receive appropriate educational support.
How long does the support last?
The level and duration of support are determined based on the needs of each young person. The program aims to provide ongoing assistance until the student has successfully re-engaged with learning and built sustainable strategies for their education.
Does the Thrive Program cost anything?
No, Thrive is fully funded by DFFH, so there is no cost for eligible students, carers, or schools.
How can I refer a young person to Thrive?
To enquire about the Thrive Program or request a referral form, please contact our team at: Education.programs@mackillop.org.au
