Sir David Martin Foundation - Helping young people in crisis

Jennifer was referred to Triple Care Farm by her Juvenile Justice Officer. When Jennifer arrived at Triple Care Farm she was still high from the hit of heroin that she had that morning. Still bruised from living on the streets she was very happy to be in a safe place where she was no longer frightened to walk around by herself. 

 

Jennifer has also spent some time in a detention facility and had recently disclosed that she had been enduring physical abuse perpetrated by her mother.

 

At the assessment Jennifer stated that she wanted to “clean up her life” and show Mum that she had achieved something.

 

During the time that Jennifer was at Triple Care Farm she built her self-esteem through counselling and achieving in challenging activities such as rock climbing and caving. Jennifer was involved in counselling and a case review once per week. During the case management time Jennifer worked on interview skills, resume writing and how to go about seeking work. Jennifer is now employed on a permanent part time basis and is attending TAFE to complete her School Certificate.

 

During counselling Jennifer was able to work through some of the abuse and neglect that was haunting her and take her life under her own control. This was one of Jennifer’s comments when she left Triple Care Farm:

 

 

For six months Triple Care Farm continued to support Jennifer in the community. Assisting her to find access to private accommodation was a difficult process for Jennifer as she had no references and was looking to live on her own for the first time.  It was a great day when she secured a granny flat in the area she wanted.

 

Soon after Jennifer secured accommodation Triple Care Farm assisted her to enrol in TAFE to study for her Year 10 certificate. During her studies Jennifer also linked up with Mission Employment to do a job seeking course and found some casual employment in the retail industry.

 

Jennifer is now living independently, working in the retail industry and is healthy. Jennifer is currently attending TAFE, after completing her school certificate Jennifer hopes to complete studies in child care and work with children. 

 

Jennifer has visited the farm since graduating the program; she is looking happy and healthy. Although the time that Jennifer spent at Triple Care Farm cannot undo Jennifer’s negative experiences from the past, we have helped Jennifer acknowledge and use her own strength and resources to achieve the goals she has set for herself. Jennifer also knows that Triple Care Farm is always there for support when she needs it.