The Lawson Program at Rivendell School provides a supportive and structured educational environment for students in Years 7 to 12, who are admitted through the Rivendell, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Service. The program typically supports young people experiencing severe depression and anxiety disorders. As part of a collective framework between the NSW Department of Health and the NSW Department of Education, the Lawson program offers integrated educational and clinical support allowing students to re-engage with learning whilst accessing actue clincal support. Before enrolment, each student and their family attend a meeting with Rivendell staff to establish clear goals for the admission and discuss appropriate school pathways. These family meetings are an integral component to a student's enrolment and continue throughout the entirety of the Lawson admission.
All students in the Lawson Program will develop a Personalised Learning Support Plan that helps establish students’ educational goals. Whilst remaining enrolled at their census school, students in Stages 4 and 5 join the Rivendell School Learning Centre, where they follow a tailored academic program aligned with the NESA curriculum. Senior students alternatively, access work from their home school or Sydney Distance Education School.
Alongside the multidisciplinary clinical team, education staff monitor each student’s progress whilst enrolled in Lawson. When ready, students begin a structured reintegration to their home school or alternative suggested educational setting. This reintegration is guided by a collaborative plan where ongoing communication between the schools ensures that tailored adjustments are made for the students gradual return.
The Lawson Program ultimately aims to help young people regain emotional stability, continue their education, and successfully reintegrate into their broader school or post-school environment.