The moment every family with a loved one in custody waits for finally arrived for the Smith* family, who welcomed back dad Frank* when he was released from custody after over five years away.
The family remained in contact while Frank* was in custody with the support of our team, and mum Carol* and the four children received family support at home with tasks like arranging medical appointments and enrollments to school supplies and food support when times were tough.
However, the family mostly benefited from having a reliable Family Support person at SHINE for Kids to call on when any type of help was needed, from little things to more serious issues.
Fast forward one year after Frank’s release, and the family is thriving!
“The best thing is seeing the family dynamic now that Frank is home,” said their SHINE support worker.
“The kids were so excited for Dad to come home.
“The youngest had no memory of living with his Dad, so he has had the most wonderful time with him back in his life daily, and the eldest told me that now, a year later, it’s like he never left!”
“They absolutely loved showing Dad their school and house, showing him all the important things in their life like sports and games that he’d missed but now be part of again.”
“It’s been great for all of the children to have their father at home again. Especially the two boys. The youngest was really resisting going to school before, but since Dad has been home, he’s really happy to head off every day and involve Dad in his school routine.”
From day one, the family has welcomed extra support provided by the community hub and SHINE for Kids and has completed the parenting program Bringing Up Great Kids.
Part of settling Frank back into his role at home was taking him to the centre and introducing him to others in the community who he could connect with. The family was also connected with support services, including the Salvation Army and Anglicare.
“Frank and Carol now go to the community hub regularly; they do painting and activities together. He’s completed his parole and post-release programs, and Carol has really enjoyed being able to share the parenting workload with him and not coping with everything on her own anymore,” said their SHINE support worker.
“The children are all flourishing at school; the two girls are completing programs at Kimberwalli alongside their education and love going to school every day. And the middle child, Grayson*, who has had some behavioural issues at school in the past, has just been flying!”
The future looks bright for the Smith* family, with our team always on hand but ready to take a step back when the time comes.
“Carol has done a great job with the kids while Frank was away, and now the family are back together, she’s finally able to relax a little.
“I check in and make sure they are okay, help plan the week and appointments, and connect them with any new support available.
“The feedback I get is that they know they have someone they can trust and turn to when needed. It makes me feel good to know they are supported enough to focus on moving into the future confidently together.”
*Names are changed to protect the family’s privacy.
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