
A big year marks turning point for David, 11
The difference a year can make! 11-year-old David* had a tough start in life, with both parents in custody and little contact with them. He had difficulty regulating his emotions and trusting adults. […]
We started working with Billy when he was preparing for his release.
After such a long time in youth custody, and with very little family support and no home to return to, he was understandably nervous about how he would manage.
However, his hard work and great attitude while in custody paved the way for his success.
A quiet, soft-spoken young man, he had earned every privilege available, including outings, day leave, and a work release.
“At first, we worked on getting to know each other and discussed his goals for the community. We worked on preparing for release and managing emotions as Billy was quite anxious,” said his mentor.
Billy has been very clear that he wants a fresh start and doesn’t want anything to do with the influences from his life before.
In the months leading up to the day he’d walk out of the centre for the last time, Billy secured a full-time job at a local manufacturing company, and it went so well that he was offered a permanent position.
With work lined up, accommodation was the next big hurdle.
“A big part of our work together has been linking Billy with services in the community. We reached out to a local refuge and luckily secured him a spot for his release date so he’d have a bed,” his mentor said.
“Together with his case worker, we’ve helped Billy to relocate to an area close to his job and away from where he’d lived before being in custody.”
Billy has been very clear that he wants a fresh start and doesn’t want anything to do with the influences from his life before.
“SHINE for Kids also organised for Billy to get a motorbike licence so he can get to work,” his mentor said.
“And we linked him with a local Aboriginal service with a driving program for free lessons which he said was helpful.”
With his mentor by his side, we know this is just the beginning of a great new chapter for Billy, and we are so proud of his hard work.
*Names and images changed to protect participants.Â
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