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These are the children and young people who some may label as “ low-lifes ”, perhaps not as babies and young children , but often when they are adolescents .
Part of the challenge for those working in this extraordinarily complex area is that most family violence , child abuse and neglect is hidden – hidden in families , but also hidden because the children and young people who suffer it look the same as other kids . But they ’ re not ... they share the same dreams and hopes as their peers , but they have suffered profound trauma , their world is a very scary place and they are usually way behind socially , emotionally , with developmental milestones and at school .
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As someone who has worked in this area for over 30 years , I am tired of the simplistic belief that if the “ system ” was better , then there wouldn ’ t be a problem .
With 11.6 % of Australian children growing up in families below the poverty line ( 2006 UNICEF Report ), coupled with increased substance use , mental health problems and family breakdown , more children are likely to suffer .
There are some promising developments – a recognition of the vital importance of investing in children ’ s early years and supporting parents , neighbourhood renewal strategies for particularly disadvantaged communities , and new therapeutic services , to help children recover from the trauma of family violence , abuse and neglect .
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Not for one moment do the people who work in this complex and challenging area think we have got it all right . But the problem of child abuse and neglect is not just ours to solve . We need the support and real understanding of the community , an appreciation of the complexity and critical importance of the work and a commitment to a “ fair go ” for all our children . |
“ They stick with you ... they see you as a kid who can do things and has problems , rather than a whole set of problems , who can ’ t do anything ”.
This was one of the positive comments from a young person involved in one of our three Intensive Case Management Services .
We believe that the Intensive Case Management Service is a critical service for young people who have very complex needs and are very difficult to engage . We contracted consultants to review all our programs , undertake a literature review of best practice , examine case records and how staff used their time , and interview the young people , their families , carers and the Department of Human Services ( DHS ).
The review confirmed our view of the value of this neglected program . We will use it to further improve our practice and advocacy with DHS .
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We never give up |