Navigating Challenges: AOT Case Study

Supporting young people experiencing homelessness requires empathy, patience, and persistence. This case study highlights the journey of a 19-year-old male who presented to Platform Youth Services, facing multiple barriers on his path to stability.

The Situation

A 19-year-old male approached Platform Youth Services, homeless and unable to return home due to concerns about his safety and that of his family. His circumstances were further complicated by significant mental health and learning disabilities. He expressed a preference for temporary accommodation in the Blue Mountains LGA, although none was available in the area.

At the time, he was staying in temporary accommodation in St Marys, which he struggled to maintain due to challenges in understanding the requirements. Stressful situations heightened his frustration, making it difficult for him to engage with services effectively.

Barriers to Overcome

The young man faced a series of hurdles, including:

• Limited understanding of accommodation requirements: Difficulty grasping the expectations led to instability in his living arrangements.
• Emotional regulation challenges: Stress caused him to become easily frustrated and heightened, impacting his ability to make decisions or engage positively with support.
• Preference for specific accommodation: His desire to remain in the Blue Mountains LGA, where no temporary housing options were available, limited his willingness to explore other solutions.

Steps Taken

The AOT team worked diligently to support both the young man and his family.

1. Transition to New Accommodation:
   • The team facilitated his move from temporary accommodation in St Marys to a new location in Penrith. Unfortunately, he declined the option due to its location outside the Blue Mountains.
2. Engagement with Family:
   • AOT met with the young man’s mother at Homes Penrith to discuss his options and assess potential pathways forward.
3. Collaboration with NDIS Providers:
   • Recognising the complexity of his needs, AOT contacted his NDIS provider for additional support. The provider agreed to collaborate with his mother to explore long-term assistance, should she choose to proceed.
4. Direct Communication:
   • The young man expressed frustration during a meeting at Homes Penrith, storming out of the office. Later, he texted AOT to state he no longer wished to engage with Platform.

Outcomes

While the immediate outcome was not the resolution the team had hoped for, several critical steps were achieved:

• The young man transitioned to a temporary accommodation option, albeit declined due to location preferences.
• His mother was connected with the NDIS provider for ongoing support.
• The team demonstrated persistence and compassion, ensuring he was offered all available options.

Reflections

This case highlights the complexities of supporting young people with mental health and learning disabilities, particularly when preferences clash with available resources. It underscores the importance of collaborative approaches, clear communication, and external partnerships, such as with NDIS, to provide holistic support.

While the young man chose to disengage with Platform, the door remains open for him to seek assistance in the future. This case serves as a reminder that progress isn’t always linear, and even small steps can lay the groundwork for long-term success.

At Platform Youth Services, we remain committed to listening, adapting, and finding innovative ways to support young people through their challenges.

#BreakingTheCycleofHomelessness