Life was spiralling out of control for Dana*, who, along with her siblings, had been through many different foster care placements, which left her feeling displaced and alienated.
Aged 13, Dana was struggling with her gender identity and felt the world was against her. In the middle of this turbulent time, she was found guilty of arson and assault and spent time in Reiby Juvenile Justice Centre.
Dana was released in October 2020 and came to live in a MacKillop home as part of the Intensive Therapeutic Care (ITC) program. ITC delivers child and family-centred services and care for children and young people aged between 12 – 17 years, who are in the NSW Permanency Support Program.
Where previously Dana had been aggressive towards staff, over the last 12 months, carers began to see her stabilise. She responds beautifully to intensive therapeutic support, there has been no recent physical violence toward staff or property damage, and she has engaged in TAFE to complete a diploma in music production.
17-year-old Dana is now an emerging artist who enjoys composing in her music studio. She has enrolled in a CERT III music course and is impressing everyone with her talent for lyrics and creative writing.
*Name changed to protect privacy
