The ASEP Project’s target young people are those enrolled in a random selection of state high schools in Queensland who:
- are between the ages of 12 and 16 years;
- have 15% or more unexplained absences over each of the previous two school terms,
- have no known legitimate explanation for absences (e.g. ongoing medical issues), and
- have at least one responsible adult in their lives (e.g. a parent, guardian, or carer) who provides social and/or financial support.
In schools that agree to participate, young people who meet these criteria and are eligible for invitation to participate in the ASEP Project are identified and confirmed by the local school Principal. The Department of Education (DoE) then refer the young person to the ASEP Project (UQ and ROA). The Project Facilitators then approach the young person and their family/carer to outline the project and invite participation. Participation in this project is voluntary, and participants can withdraw at any time without penalty.