Supporting a Young Person’s Journey Home

At Platform Youth Services, we understand that every young person’s journey is unique. For one 16-year-old male referred to Katoomba House in August, this journey involved navigating the challenges of ADHD, family breakdown, and struggles at school. His story highlights the importance of tailored support, collaboration, and the unwavering commitment to helping young people find stability.

A Challenging Start

This young person faced significant difficulties in both his home and school environments. Diagnosed with ADHD and struggling with inconsistent medication use, his behaviours had begun to escalate, contributing to tensions at home. After living with his father until early 2024, he moved in with his aunt and cousins, but the same behavioural issues eventually arose, leading to his referral to Katoomba House.

Building Connections and Support Systems

From the start, Katoomba House staff recognised the importance of addressing the young person’s needs holistically. Staff engaged regularly with his school to manage behaviours and support his learning. The school worked collaboratively, sending assessments to help staff better understand his challenges and tailor their support.

To address his ADHD, staff assisted the young person in attending psychologist and medical appointments. These efforts led to a medication review and adjustments that aimed to stabilise his behaviour and enhance his daily functioning.

Creating a Restoration Plan

Rebuilding the young person’s relationship with his father became a central focus. A restoration plan was developed to gradually reintegrate him into the family home. This plan included shared dinners at his father’s house, with the goal of progressing to overnight and weekend stays.

During his time at Katoomba House, staff worked with the young person to build essential living and communication skills. He took pride in his achievements, including learning to cook homemade chicken schnitzel—a dish he was excited to prepare for his father during one of their planned dinners.

Navigating Challenges and Adapting Plans

While progress was made, challenges arose. The young person struggled to find his identity among the more street-savvy residents at Katoomba House, and the restoration plan did not move as quickly as initially hoped. The distance between Katoomba House and his school and family also became a barrier to consistent engagement and progress.

After seven weeks at Katoomba House, an opportunity arose for the young person to transfer to The Siding at Marist, a location closer to his school and both his father and aunt. This move offered a better chance of successful restoration, reducing logistical barriers and fostering stronger connections with his family.

A Collaborative Transition

The Katoomba House staff ensured a smooth transition by providing Marist with the young person’s case and restoration plans. This allowed the new team to continue the work seamlessly, supporting his journey toward returning home.

A Brighter Future

This young person’s story is a testament to the importance of tailored support, collaboration, and adaptability in helping young people overcome challenges. By addressing his needs holistically and prioritising family connections, Platform Youth Services demonstrated its commitment to empowering young people and fostering lasting change.

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