Victorian Teams Making a Difference

On the 13th of March 2020, a proud young Bunurong man entered Allambi Care’s residential program in Victoria. His name is Xavier and it was just shy of his 10^th birthday. He was on a journey that would take the next 16 months to realise. Unfortunately Xavier has experienced some events that meant that he was no longer able to live with his mum, whom he loved dearly. Xavier entered Allambi’s residential placement at Melanda with one goal, to return to his mum’s care full time. Over the coming 16 months Xavier worked extremely hard with his team of dedicated youth workers and the ever present support of Jorja his Case worker.

In this time, Xavier developed a connection with his team and began to work on his goal. He worked hard everyday on learning to be responsible and respectful. Xavier’s team learnt that he was a bright, intelligent young man with a wonderful sense of humour. He enjoyed computer games, riding his scooter and in particular gardening. With the help of his staff, he built a vegetable garden in the backyard that was his pride and joy. He loved showing anyone around his garden and pointing out the different vegetables that he was growing. He would speak with pride about the vegetables that he had grown and eaten. In time, Xavier also started engaging in home schooling and this lead to a return to traditional schooling which he had not been in for some time.

Along with this,  Xavier always kept in touch with his mum and extended family. In time, his mum began to visit him at the placement and they rekindled their relationship. His family time with Mum became longer and longer until he was having full days with his mum without support. On the 30^th of July 2021, Xavier’s goal was realised when he left Allambi Care and went back home to live with his mum.

He left the following note for the staff and the next young person entering the placement:

“Okay, Okay….so we had some good times and bad times but part of life is just you! And though I miss the residential unit and stuff, we are still working for me to go home!

And ok guys if you get kids that will think they are not going home then show them this…….

Hey Ma'am…or Sir….you will go home its just about your behaviour. See…I was not the best at it. I was crazy…but guess what! I worked it out and I left on the 30^th, Friday 2021.

So…don’t worry you will go home.

Written by Xavier, born 24 March 2010, I was 11 when I wrote this.”