AV residential care provided 226 children and young people, who cannot live with their families, with accommodation and support. Young people in residential care are typically teenagers who have experienced significant trauma and loss as well as having complex needs. Across 27 homes our residential staff provide stability, safety, and referrals to a range of other services to help young people heal and rebuild their lives. Staff work hard to provide the next best thing to a caring family home when young people cannot be with their own families.
REBUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
Young people have better outcomes when their family connection is strong. For this reason, residential care staff work to find ways for young people to reconnect with their families. Working with young people and their parents, our staff empower families with the skills to reunite safely. Strengthening the family unit and opening the possibility of returning home is a key objective for all young people in residential care.
“They may not realise it while they’re an adolescent going through everything that adolescents go through, but they need to connect with their families. We try to help all family members to see each other in a different light and work on everyone’s strengths.” – Nada Vindis, Program Manager Western Residential Care
THE BEST CARE FOR AN INSIDE-OUT WORLD
“The team saw the potential in me…I wouldn’t be here today without them. [The tutoring] really helped me boost up my grades” – Becky*, residential care.
AV specialists supported Becky to explore and manage her emotions, leading to important conversations with her mother. She developed an understanding of her story of trauma and the reasons for the separation from her mother. Despite her adversity, Becky has secured a part-time job, re-engaged with education, and learned to manage her anxiety better.
EMBRACING SUCCESS IN RESIDENTIAL CARE
AV’s KEYS (Keep Embracing Your Success) program is a model of care that connects vulnerable young people to a dedicated team of specialists, including mental health, alcohol and other drugs (AOD), cultural, and family support. This holistic approach is highly effective and is showing positive outcomes, with specialist support services being a core component of the model of care.
“I love this place and I’d really like to stay here.” – George*, residential care
PANDEMIC PRESSURE
The implications of the pandemic remained challenging. Remote schooling added pressure on our young people. Our residential care teams demonstrated significant commitment and care in navigating the ever-changing directions and complexities as well as keeping everyone in our homes safe.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the efforts that the staff put in, in terms of supporting and providing that consistent support to young people during a hard year.” – Nada Vindis, Program Manager Western Residential Care
The 2022 Annual report can be found on our website.
To request a hard copy of this report, call us on 1800 809 722.
