At just 14 years old, Shannon* faced challenges no young person should endure. Living on the streets with a history of self-harm, violence, and substance use, she had no family support, no financial stability, and hadn’t attended school for over a year. Her mental health needs were unmet, largely because she had disengaged from services offered by the Department of Child Protection and Family Support.
Shannon’s life began to change when she was referred to Outcare through the Links Program – a voluntary initiative providing therapeutic support to young people aged 10 to 18 who have pleaded guilty to charges in the Children’s Court. Each participant is assigned a Community Support Coordinator who works alongside a clinical team and liaises with all relevant services, tailoring support to each child’s unique needs.
For Shannon, help started with the basics. Her Coordinator quickly arranged emergency relief, providing food and clothing, while building a trusting, daily connection with her. Through consistent psychosocial support, Shannon began to develop resilience and coping skills. Slowly but surely, she re-engaged with the services she had once turned away from.
Today, Shannon is receiving the mental health care she needs, living safely in a hostel, and working towards rebuilding her life. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of support, compassion, and the right guidance at the right time.
*Shannon’s name has been changed to protect her privacy.
