Jacey, 17 years old, was living with her mother and sister in the northern suburbs. Her father was deceased and Jacey had long-term relationship difficulties with her mother, including severe physical and mental abuse. Her mother wanted her to marry an abusive ex-boyfriend against her will, and was pressuring Jacey to continue the relationship.

Jacey had no income as her mother was receiving Centrelink payments on her behalf. After arriving at the Hope Street Youth Residential program (refuge), Jacey’s Youth Support Service Case Manager quickly reconnected her to Centrelink so that she could secure income independent of her mother. A referral was completed to Hope Street’s visiting Royal District Nursing Service Homeless Person’s Program nurse, to address all dental and medical concerns. Jacey was also referred to the Hope Street Youth Reconciliation Practitioner, with whom she met on a regular basis for counselling.

Her Support Service Case Manager applied for funding to pay for Jacey to enrol in a Dental Technician course. Jacey is now on track to secure stable, long-term accommodation.