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As a teacher, you play a vital role in creating an inclusive and safe space for all students. Here's a simple breakdown of the Department of Education's LGBTQIA+ Student Support Policy.
The Department of Education requires schools to take these steps:
Inclusive Policies: Foster a positive, supportive, and respectful environment for all students. Schools must ensure their policies, practices, and activities don't treat any student unfairly because of their sex, gender, or sexuality.
Privacy Matters: Maintain privacy and confidentiality during the gender affirmation process. Adjust facilities, uniforms, and communication to support the student's gender identity.
Support Gender Affirmation: Schools must ensure their policies, practices, and activities don't treat any student unfairly because of their sex, gender, or sexuality.
Fight Homophobia and Transphobia: Challenge all forms of homophobia and transphobia to prevent discrimination and bullying.
Fair Participation: Consider how requirements like school formals or sports activities affect students based on their gender identity or assumed sexuality.
Mature Minors
If a student wishes to undergo gender transition without the consent of their parents/carers, consider whether they may be a mature minor.
Sometimes, students under 18 want to make decisions independently, rather than involving their parents or carers.
The Department of Education's Mature Minor Policy provides guidance on when and how to determine if a student is capable of making their own decisions on specific matters.
What is a mature minor?
To be a mature minor, the student must show:
Enough maturity,
Understanding, and
Intelligence to grasp the decision's nature and consequences.
Remember, a student may be mature enough for some decisions but not for others!
How do I decide whether a student is a mature minor?
Get to Know the Student: Start by learning about the student and having conversations with them.
Consider Age and Understanding: Think about how old the student is, how mature they are for their age, and whether they understand the consequences of their decision.
Examine Living Situation: Check if the student lives with their parents or on their own.
Review School Performance: Look at their school records and how well they've performed academically.
Seek Input from School and Health Professionals: Listen to what teachers, school leaders, and health professionals say about the student.
Check Previous Decisions: Find out if other professionals have already determined that the student can make decisions.
Ask About Parental Communication: Inquire if the student plans to inform their parents before or after making the decision.
Consider the Student's Best Interest: Reflect on what's in the student's best interest, whether they should decide alone or with their parents' agreement.
Where can I get specific advice?
For guidance in deciding whether a student is a mature minor, please contact the Department's Legal Divison at legal.services@education.vic.gov.au or (03) 9637 3146.
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