After learning that he would be unable to return home and see his mother for quite some time, Ben sinks into a state of depression.
He finds it increasingly hard to concentrate in class and Nadine notices him withdrawing from outside contact even further. She is extremely worried and reaches out to their case worker Sonya for advice on how to help Ben through this period.
Sonya recommends counselling and Anglicare Victoria’s TEACHaR program to assist Ben with his schooling. The TEACHaR program is about ‘Transforming Educational Achievements for Children in Home-Based and Residential Care’ and employs experienced, registered teachers to work directly with students to improve educational outcomes.
Since 2012, the program has achieved outstanding results, with over 60 per cent of participating kids achieving average or above average academic results, including literacy rates jumping from 17 per cent to 56 per cent and numeracy from 14 per cent to almost 50 per cent.
Nadine hopes that TEACHaR is the solution for Ben’s learning difficulties. She knows it is vital for Ben to remain focused and in school for as long as possible in order to improve his future prospects. She encourages Ben to listen and trust his teachers. She tells him that he is not alone, that he is supported and that they will all work together to help him at school.
