A Case Study Case Study - Joel
Joel was 17 years old when he was referred to the BEST Centre in 2008 . Joel lived with his sister and older brother in a small rural community after his mother left her children to move to NSW and their Dad was unable to care for them . Joel and his sister live in a small public housing community on the outskirts of the town . Poverty and group living is not uncommon in this community .
Joel ’ s older brother , like many other young people in the area , is on unemployment benefits . The small house they share has rags for curtains and minimal furniture , but despite this Joel is always clean and well groomed . Centrelink referred Joel to the B . E . S . T . Centre and that was where this amazing story begins .
The B . E . S . T . Centre worker tried to contact Joel , but after many calls , could not reach him . So he decided to drive out to the town and knock on his door . After a few calls to the home , he left a business card . His brother knew of our agency and after finding the business card , brought Joel into our office and asked to speak to the B . E . S . T . Centre worker .
Joel left school when he was in Year 8 . The local school tried to support him to attend but because of the family situation , Joel drifted out of school . Joel was a very capable student , but was severely damaged because of family circumstances and his behaviour was very challenging .
In meeting Joel it was apparent that he had skills , aspirations and great tenacity . His willingness to engage in education was inspirational . However , his living circumstances continued to place him under enormous pressure . Living independently at such a young age is very challenging . Joel was very keen to continue down his education and then move into a trade .
His educational history indicated many gaps in his schooling . Joel attended the B . E . S . T . Centre initially one-to-one and then began to integrate into small groups . It was apparent amongst the group that Joel stood out , as he listened and took this opportunity seriously and committed to the program , enjoying the social contact and learning from the group work .
From July 2007 until the present time , Joel has actively engaged in the course , and has made some serious decisions regarding his general life . He has reduced his use of marijuana which was impacting on his behaviour . During the assessment which all students coming into the B . E . S . T . Centre undertake , Joel expressed the desire to join a local football team and become more active . He has expressed great interest in sports and is very athletic .
Joel also privately aspired to become an actor / model . Joel used this opportunity to explore auditions and developed a portfolio for photographs which he sent to modelling agencies . He did not talk about this publicly , embarrassed by his personal goal . He confided this personal aspiration to only his B . E . S . T . Centre worker and his classroom mentor / tutor . Joel spoke to his B . E . S . T . Centre worker about going back to mainstream school at the end the 2008 . His B . E . S . T . Centre worker made an appointment for an interview at the school . The Principal was supportive and accommodating .
Joel had expressed interest in Sports Management so he was enrolled in a VET in School subject . After much discussion it was agreed that Joel would undertake VCAL , at Year 11 level .
Joel joined the Head Start program , attended every day , and enjoyed all aspects of the program . During the school break Joel got a job at a Circus in the vending van selling food and earning some money . He was supported by Berry Street with his books for school . Berry Street also had a summer holiday recreational program which Joel joined which kept him positive .
He had developed a great rapport with his B . E . S . T . Centre worker , and they have developed a significant bond . Joel has demonstrated incredible resilience but without the assistance of the B . E . S . T . Centre may never have realised his potential . He has joined the local football club under 18 ’ s team and is looking forward to commencing VCAL in 2010 . Joel continues to apply to modelling agencies and is looking positively towards his future .
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