On this page
Our commitment
The department is committed to a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment for every child and young person.
Our policy and procedure
The department’s policy and procedure outline the responsibilities for our staff and volunteers. They also explain how we support gender diverse and intersex children and young people.
- Supporting gender diverse, intersex and sexually diverse children and young people policy
- Gender diverse and intersex children and young people support procedure (PDF 246 KB)
Specific advice and support for schools and preschools
South Australian government schools and preschools can access advice and support on:
- how to support an individual child or young person
- policy and procedure implementation
- specialist consultancy for extra support for complex situations.
Contact Engagement and Wellbeing to get the support you need.
Training to support gender diverse, intersex and sexually diverse children and young people
There are many students in our schools who identify as LGBTQIA+. These students have unique perspectives and experiences that educators should be aware of and consider in their day-to-day practice.
A video featuring voices of LGBTQIA+ secondary students has been created and will help contribute to informing and supporting educators, leadership and other staff to develop a greater understanding of how to support and include gender diverse, intersex and sexually diverse children and young people in education settings.
‘Being me: LGBTQIA+ inclusion in South Australian schools’ is part of a range of activities taking place to increase the visibility and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ students in South Australian public schools.
Staff in South Australian government schools can access 2 types of professional learning:
Introduction training (online)
The 1-hour online training module is suitable for all staff and covers the essentials. It provides guidance and information on how:
- learning settings can address the needs of children and young people who are gender diverse, intersex and sexually diverse
- to support inclusion through the department’s policy and procedure
- to support them in schools, preschools and care settings.
SA government school staff can register for this training at: introduction training to supporting gender diverse, intersex and sexually diverse children and young people (staff login required).
Advanced training (face-to-face)
The 2-hour face-to-face advanced training is delivered at the school so all staff can attend. It provides knowledge and understanding of:
- inclusion and diversity
- legislative obligations and the department's policy and procedures
- the experiences and issues encountered by children and young people who are gender diverse and sexually diverse
- the learning site's role in supporting social transitioning of a child or young person
- inclusive whole school and individual practices to support gender diverse, intersex and sexually diverse children and young people.
To apply for training, leaders in South Australian government schools can contact Engagement and Wellbeing.
External support and resources for children, young people and families
For parents and families
- Parents of gender diverse children – direct peer support, information, workshops, referrals and resources.
For young people, and their families and friends
- SHINE SA – counselling, peer support and resources.
- Bfriend (Uniting Communities) – counselling, peer support and resources.