Early Intervention Officers in Schools

The Early Intervention Officers in Schools (EIOS) program is a Victorian Government-funded initiative through the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), delivered by a network of organisations, including the Les Twentyman Foundation. We currently support young people across seven schools, predominantly in Melbourne’s western suburbs and Geelong.

EIOS builds on the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to early intervention and our belief that young people are best supported when trusted youth workers are present within their school and wider community.

Our In-School Youth Workers partner with schools to identify and respond to challenges early — supporting young people before issues escalate or they disengage from education and their community.

We know that supporting a young person often means supporting the people around them. Young people don’t exist in isolation, so our team works closely with families to understand the broader circumstances at play and find ways to help parents and caregivers better support their young person.

Through EIOS, young people gain access to consistent, trusted support from youth workers who build genuine relationships and provide guidance across personal, social and educational challenges. Our team works alongside young people, school staff, families and community services to deliver a coordinated approach that supports the young person — including individual support, mentoring, advocacy, referrals to specialist services, and help navigating challenges affecting their wellbeing, education or future.

• Early intervention and support for young people experiencing challenges
• Trusted relationships and positive connections within school communities
• Sustained engagement in education
• Wellbeing, resilience and confidence
• Connections to appropriate services and supports for young people and families
• Guidance and advocacy when young people need it
• Collaboration with schools, families and community organisations
• Support for parents and caregivers to understand and respond to their young person’s needs
• Positive pathways and brighter futures for young people

By embedding youth workers within school communities, EIOS makes support more accessible — giving young people the chance to connect with someone they already know and trust.

The program reflects the Les Twentyman Foundation’s ongoing commitment to early intervention, prevention and outreach, continuing the legacy of our founder, Les Twentyman OAM.

Through strong relationships, early support and meaningful connections, we work alongside young people, families, schools and communities to help build safer, stronger and more connected futures.