Through collaborative, trauma-informed care, Danny* rebuilt safety, culture and relationships, transitioning from violence to healing, education and employment support, enabling a safe return home and family stability.
14 year-old First Nations teenager, Danny was grappling with the trauma of domestic violence and his mother’s critical illness. He would become aggressive and violent when frustrated – actions learned from his past – and his family were concerned about their safety.
Danny spent 12 months at A Place To Go, working to recover from trauma and learn new skills to manage his emotions. Through art, Danny poured his pain into symbols, colours and storytelling, and reconnected with his First Nations culture.
A Place to Go is a NSW program that supports 10–17 year-olds who have had contact with the juvenile justice system.
“We provide therapeutic care, safety and stability for young people. Through early intervention we aim to minimise offending behaviours and help link the young people with community supports and services,” says Mathew Gray, Danny’s case worker.
Danny and his family were also supported by MacKillop’s Functional Family Therapy team to help improve their relationships and manage their emotions. Danny received psychiatric care through the A Place to Go Clinic, which also helped organise assessments to support his NDIS application. While their mum was in hospital, our Homelessness Youth Assistance Program stepped in to provide support to Danny’s sister.
Our three program teams worked collaboratively to connect Danny to culture and family, provide therapeutic and trauma-informed support, and rebuild trust. With a Safety Plan in place, Danny was able to return home.
The MacKillop teams also secured work experience for Danny, and are working to get him into a mechanical course at TAFE.
“Our goal is to empower young people with skills, tools and the confidence to navigate their way through life,” says Mathew. “We offer them nurture and care and the space to make a lasting change.”
*Name changed and stock photo used to protect privacy.