Annual Report 2014 -15 | Page 68

Emily’s Story Emily, who is 91 years old, was referred to the Royal Commission Community Based Support Service in Dubbo for support with stress related to issues dating back to her early childhood and time in Parramatta Girls Home. Emily was raised in the circus until she was nine years old when she was removed and placed into the child welfare system. This was very traumatic for her. Emily was placed in two different foster homes until the age of 12, when she was sent to Parramatta Girls Home. At the age of 16 she was removed from Parramatta Girls home and committed to a psychiatric hospital for “mucking up”. Eventually she was allowed to work around the hospital, helping to feed people and making beds but she was under strict control and not allowed to leave the hospital for some years. One of the psychiatrists took her in and Emily worked in the hospital for a while on a kind of traineeship. After a few months she was sent to a half-way house before she was finally freed and allowed to go out on her own. Despite having had a difficult early life, Emily is a very bubbly, caring and kind person who is always wanting to help others. Emily has lived a life roaming around different country towns in NSW and QLD. She had a caravan and moved from town to town camping near creeks and rivers or at showgrounds. Emily still lives independently and looks after her chickens, three dogs and a goat. Emily has been attending her appointments on a regular basis and enjoys the opportunity to talk about her past, as well as her current difficulties. 66