Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Program – opening doors for young people

The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Program – opening doors for young people

For many young Australians, juggling school, work, and mental health can be a daunting challenge. The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Program, delivered in partnership with headspace Dubbo, is making a real difference by helping local youth aged 12 to 25 reach their educational and employment goals while also prioritising their mental health and wellbeing.

Turning challenges into milestones

In October 2024, a young person joined the program seeking help to remain engaged with their education. At the time, the student was enrolled in Year 9 but struggled to attend classes, with attendance rates dipping below 40 percent. After their family moved to a neighbouring town, the daily commute to school became even more difficult, involving lengthy bus trips of about an hour each way.

Concentration in class was difficult, and understanding the curriculum often felt overwhelming. Recognising the unique circumstances, the IPS team worked closely with the young person and their mother, offering tailored guidance and practical support including alternative education pathways. Together, they decided to apply for a place at a local high school for Year 10.

With IPS support, the application was successful. Ongoing assistance was provided, including help with transport to and from school to reduce barriers to attendance. During this time, the young person also received additional wellbeing support through a headspace psychologist and Youth Care Coordination (YCC).

Thanks to this collaborative effort, the student was able to complete Year 10, improve their engagement and dramatically increase their attendance – finishing the school year with rates in the high 80 percent range. This turnaround has paved the way for the student to continue their academic journey by  commencing their Higher School Certificate and undertaking a Certificate II in Aged Care – both while working on a casual basis with shifts that fit around their school schedule.

Looking back on 2025 – partnering with young people

This student’s journey is just one of many inspiring success stories made possible through the IPS Program. The end of the 2025 school year saw eight young people achieve positive education outcomes through sustained support and collaboration.

Two Year 10 students successfully completed the school year and have now enrolled to continue their education in Years 11 and 12 – a major turnaround for both students, as they had attendance below 40% in the 2024 school year. With targeted IPS support, their attendance in 2025 improved dramatically to the high 80% range, demonstrating increased engagement and commitment to learning.

In addition, four Year 9 students and two Year 7 students were supported to re-engage with school. IPS workers collaborated closely with students, families, and school staff to develop and implement individual return-to-school plans, address barriers to attendance, and provide ongoing encouragement and advocacy.

These outcomes highlight the effectiveness of the IPS approach in supporting young people to re-engage with education, build consistency in attendance, and create pathways for future learning and success.

The IPS Program stands out for its goal-oriented, person-centred approach. By working alongside headspace Youth Care Coordinators, psychologists, and other professionals, the team ensures each young person receives multi-disciplinary support tailored to their individual needs. From overcoming school avoidance to tackling work-related struggles, IPS partners with youth to help them not only set achievable goals but also navigate the path to reaching them.

Importantly, the support doesn’t stop when a goal is reached – the IPS team continue to stand by young people for as long as they need, guiding them every step of the way.

Read more about the IPS Program on our website

This service is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.