Mike* had just been released from custody, where he was in the Belonging to Family (BTF) program, and gone to live with his mother on the Central Coast when life took an unexpected turn.
Soon after his return home, his mother was taken into custody, leaving him at risk of homelessness so soon after release and while he was trying to piece his life back together.
The timing of her arrest was especially worrying as it was late on a Friday afternoon, and he was told he could be evicted by Monday.
In need of urgent support, Mike reached out to his BTF Aboriginal Support Worker for post-release assistance.
Belonging to Family is our unique throughcare program offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families at the Mid-North Correctional Centre. The program works closely with families to develop resilience, connection, and support participants pre and post release so that they can be set up to re-build their lives.
He had previously tried to get help from local services to have his mother sign the tenancy documents from within another correctional centre, but those efforts hadn’t worked.
Luckily, our team’s expertise lies in navigating the justice system.
Recognizing the urgency, Mike’s BTF support worker stepped in without hesitation.
Through advocacy and coordination with the community housing officer managing the property, they were able to secure an arrangement allowing Mike to stay.
Mike has since applied to be formally added to the tenancy agreement, providing him with the security he needs to move on with his life.
Our team continues to walk alongside Mike, supporting him as he takes steps toward stability and reconnects with the community.
Thanks to this support, Mike now has a safe and secure place to call home, and the foundation to build a brighter future.
*Names and images changed to protect participants.
National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) support this program.
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