Student's Report Leads to Intervention Order
A 15-year-old girl, identified as Lucy, was served with an interim intervention order (IVO) by a classmate's mother. This action followed Lucy's report of the classmate, Jordan, for alleged inappropriate touching at school. The order was granted without Lucy present in court, restricting her from discussing the incidents and limiting her movement at school.
Lucy's mother, Kate, expressed significant concerns about this process, fearing it could deter other children from reporting harassment. Following the order, Jordan reportedly stated he had "won the case" at school, which led other students to question Lucy's account.
Rising Trend of Intervention Orders Among Students
Victoria Legal Aid has reported a significant increase in intervention orders (IVOs) issued between children in Victorian schools. The number has nearly doubled, rising from 243 in 2018-19 to 472 in 2023-24.
"One-third of children with orders against them were aged 10-14."
This sharp increase has been particularly noted since the COVID-19 lockdowns. Lawyers and social services are observing a trend where parents are increasingly utilizing intervention orders to manage disputes between students, often stemming from dissatisfaction with how schools respond to conflicts.
Profound Impact on Young Lives and Education
Intervention orders can severely disrupt a child's schooling. A notable 36 percent of affected children have been reported to miss school, change schools, or leave entirely as a direct consequence of these orders.
A review of 100 closed files by Victoria Legal Aid revealed a concerning pattern: half of these young people were identified as neurodivergent or had existing mental health issues.
Dr. Lauren Codd from Berry Street Social Services highlighted that these orders can "harm the recovery prospects of children who have experienced trauma and often lead to their exclusion from school."
Jackie Anders, associate director of children's law at Victoria Legal Aid, underscored a critical risk. She emphasized the potential for criminalization for vulnerable children, especially those with neurodiversity or disability, who may inherently struggle to understand and comply with the complex requirements of such orders.
Calls for Alternative Solutions
Victoria Legal Aid, alongside other concerned organizations, is advocating for a shift in approach. They call for increased support for schools to resolve student disputes through mediation and restorative programs, rather than the current reliance on intervention orders.
Suggestions include funding proven programs like "Re-engage" by Jesuit Social Services. Matt Tyler, executive director of The Men's Project at Jesuit Social Services, further stressed the need for better support for schools and parents to address the underlying reasons for student behaviors.
A Victorian Department of Education spokesperson maintained that "the issuing of intervention orders is a matter for the courts and police."
This statement highlights the divergence in perspectives between legal aid and social services, and the official stance of the education department.