LOOKOUT Centre

About this service

LOOKOUT Centres are designed to boost the capacity of schools, child protection and out of home care services to improve educational outcomes for children and young people living in out of home care. We do so through professional development with staff and carers, expert advice to schools to support individual students, challenging enrolment decisions that aren't in a student's best interests and facilitating opportunities for students to participate fully in school life. The Centre's team are based across the Department's Footscray, Geelong and Ballarat offices. Including expertise in education, social work, psychology and data analysis, we work as part of a multi-disciplinary service response, building on the expertise and professional practice within schools, the community sector, across the Department and with Department of Health and Human Services. LOOKOUT Centre staff are here to provide advice and support to school staff, child protection workers, community service organisations and carers in all aspects of a student’s education. Staff reinforce the fundamental importance of education for children and young people in out of home care - pushing everyone, including the students, to hold high expectations of what our children and young people can achieve through education and to do everything possible to realise those expectations.

    • Service name

      LOOKOUT Centre

    • Service address

      LOOKOUT Education Support Centre South Western Victoria Region Department of Education & Training Footscray Regional Office Lvl 9 1 McNab Ave Footscray VIC 3011
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    • Urgency levels

      Looking for Support

    • Service area

      Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Brimbank

    • Service hours

      Mon to Fri 9am – 5pm

    • Age group

      5 - 17 years

    • Eligibility criteria

      Residing in out-of-home care under the following orders
      Interim accommodation order or,
      Family preservation order or,
      Family reunification order or,
      Care by Secretary order



    • Interpreters

      Yes but requires booking in advance

    • Service type

      INDIVIDUAL

    • Costs

      No Costs -

    • Disability access

      Yes

    • Drop in service

      No

    • Outreach

      No

More information for teachers, wellbeing staff and service professionals

    • Participation length

      As Required

    • Secondary consult

      Yes

    • Staff profile

      Qualified Staff

    • Who can refer

      Anyone