A.L.I.V.E. - Adolescents Living Independently Via Empowerment
THEN. Alice (not her real name), a young woman aged 18 who identifies with a CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) background, was referred by the Department of Community Services (DoCS) to CatholicCare. She had numerous mental health and anger management issues and was made a Ward of the State at the age of 13. Currently homeless, she was banned from Supported Accommodation Assistance Program services due to her behaviour and violence. There was a history of regular Police involvement when she was attending agency offices.
With ALIVE’s assistance and support letters from DoCS and other services she was approved for Department of Housing Priority Housing. Since her tenancy began she has moved to new premises twice due to Domestic Violence situations and she has spent 2 months incarcerated for driving without a licence several times.
ALIVE’s on-going support included working with her on After Care entitlements, culture and relationships, her behaviour, living skills, employment and training, anger management, communications, referrals and support for legal issues, support letters for court, referrals and appointments to GP’s, mental health services, counsellors, drug and alcohol issues, recreation with soccer and dancing and ALIVE and Well outings.
NOW. She has just turned 21 years old and is maintaining her tenancy including mowing the lawn and is budgeting, cooking and cleaning. She is seeing a psychologist fortnightly, attending to her dental appointments, going to the Mosque for lessons learning the Quran and is enrolled and attending TAFE. She is also in contact with her mother, father and siblings.