When a student is suspended from school, it's often seen as a short-term solution to a behavioural issue. But for many young people, exclusion from school marks the beginning of a much longer road of disengagement — one that can have serious long-term consequences. That's exactly the issue the Y NSW is tackling through its Alternative Suspension (AS) program, a bold, restorative approach to student support that's already showing powerful results.
"No one benefits when a young person is suspended or excluded from school," says Lisa Browne, General Manager of Youth and Community Programs at the Y NSW. "Research shows the long-term, negative impacts of disengagement on individuals and broader systems like health, justice and welfare."
With over 13 years of experience in youth work, early intervention and suicide prevention, Browne leads a passionate team delivering programs tailored to local needs, including the game-changing AS initiative.
A global inspiration with local impact
The idea to bring AS to Australia was sparked in 2019 when the then-Chair of the Y NSW Board attended an international YMCA conference in London and heard about the success of the program in Quebec. That encounter lit a fire.
"He returned committed to adapting the model here to address the school exclusion crisis in Australia," explains Browne. "Our leadership team and youth workers began advocating for the program, applying for every funding opportunity we could."
Thanks to the Department of Social Services support, the program launched in NSW as a pilot — and it's been changing lives ever since.
What does a day in the program look like?
Structured yet nurturing, each AS day begins with a morning check-in and academic catch-up session with a qualified youth worker. "This time also allows us to identify learning difficulties or barriers that may be contributing to a student's behaviour," explains Browne. "Staff can then seek additional supports, communicate with schools about possible adjustments and create a plan for a successful return to the classroom."
At lunchtime, the program teaches life skills through taking part in preparing a healthy lunch. "At some sites, students are given a small budget to plan, shop for and cook meals together," Browne says. "This teaches essential life skills like budgeting, teamwork and decision-making — and addresses challenges like food insecurity."
Afternoons are devoted to personal development, with workshops including anger management, health literacy, job readiness, drug and alcohol education, and resume writing. "Throughout the day, students receive one-on-one support… and advocacy with the school to ensure each student gets the support they need to succeed," she adds.
The outcomes speak volumes
The data is impressive. Over the past two years:
- 94 percent of Alternative Suspension participants returned to school after completing the program.
- Schools reported a 54 percent improvement in student engagement and reduced disciplinary incidents.
But for Browne, it's the stories that matter most. "Young people finding employment, reducing or stopping substance use, or telling us that an anger management workshop helped them avoid violent behaviour — that's what stays with me."
Feedback from educators has also been overwhelmingly positive. "The program has helped schools develop new approaches to supporting students, leading to better outcomes for everyone involved," she says.
A model ready to grow
Currently, AS operates across four NSW sites, supporting 200 to 300 students annually in 30 schools. But the need is far greater. In 2023 alone, more than 33,000 suspensions were issued in NSW.
"We're only scratching the surface," Browne notes. Thankfully, a consortium of philanthropic partners has secured funding through to 2027, providing stability as the Y NSW continues to advocate for broader rollout.
"There are communities right across NSW, and indeed all of Australia, where this program is desperately needed," she says. "The YMCA has a national presence and long-standing reputation for impactful youth work. We are well-placed to expand — we just need more partners and support."
"Browne urges policymakers and education leaders to shift their perspective on discipline. "As we strive for fairer and more effective education systems, we must rethink traditional suspension practices."
By prioritising restorative, supportive, and personalised approaches, the AS model shows what's possible when schools, families, services and governments work together.
"When we work through an intersectional lens, we can foster healthier school cultures and dramatically improve the wellbeing and outcomes of our young people," says Browne. Programs like Alternative Suspension don't just keep kids in school — they help them thrive.
