*Name changed and model used for photo
*Kaylee’s story is not unusual. Many young people at secondary school are at risk of harm from family violence or abuse.
Or they’ve been left to their own devices, moved around a lot and have no secure base from which to form positive relationships with others.
At her new school, Kaylee was allowed to excuse herself from class whenever she felt stressed or uncomfortable.
A Family Works social worker and other school support staff provided lots of reassurance and encouragement and Kaylee was involved in all the decisions made about her.
After four months, Kaylee was no longer wagging school or running away. She’d made some friends and started to enjoy learning for the first time.
