DONNA (not real name) AGED 14
FIRST VISIT- HOME
Initial contact was made by telephone to referrer; this was to gain further information about the client. The information provided was brief and similar to what was on referral sheet. A home visit was then organised with the family and suitable date and time was established. On arrival at the house the youth counsellor was met with a scene, which resembled the Bill. The house was full of adults screaming and shouting at each other the police were present and younger siblings crouched in the corner. There were younger kids sitting in the corner of the room crying. The youth counsellor was unsure about the situation and explained who she was and that it was perhaps better if the visit was rearranged. This idea was met with a barrage of pleads from the family and by the social worker not to leave. Once things had calmed down and the police had left the youth councillor was able to explain Xplore and to arrange a meeting with the young person. On leaving the house the social worker spoke about a break down in communications with the family, the school and herself. Donna had not been at school for a number of weeks as there were “issues” going on for her. The youth Counsellor asked what the issues were and was told that no one was sure.

THE FIRST MEETING- YOUNG PERSON
The first meeting with the young person was arranged and from this meeting it was established that the young person was dealing with a number of emotional issues

• Older Brother in foster care
• Younger sister in foster care
• Three younger brothers at home most of the day due to mum being ill
• Real dad not on the scene and Donna missed him.
• One older sister stayed with family for short time but moved to new area
• Another older sister lived in homeless unit with her kids
• Step dads mother lives with them and is disabled.
• There are no carpets in the house no doors on any of the rooms and no privacy
• Money is tight and Donna feels that she has to be around to look after the younger kids
• Uncle and his kids often stay with family and they sleep in living room
• Donna is sexually active and admits to sleeping with strange men to get attention
• Both parents have little literacy skills and Donna feels that she needs to be the one to deal with the younger ones homework etc.

GENERAL CONTACT
It was noted that in order to deal with the issue of non-attendance at school other issues needed to be dealt with first.
The second meeting with the young person was both tense and emotional as the young person disclosed that her sister’s husband had sexually assaulted her. This being the reason that she had low self-esteem and why she slept with other males. She felt worthless and felt that at least she would get attention. Her sexual behaviour was discussed and appointments made to ensure that she was aware of sexual health issues. The young person admitted that she needed support to deal with her feeling regarding the abuse and it was agreed that the Youth Counsellor find out what was available.

The social worker was aware of the abuse but as communication between the family and the social worker had broken down it was requested by the young person that the youth counsellor be her support worker during the pending court case.

Issues, which arose from this situation, were:

• Young person and family depended on Youth counsellor for support whilst going to court
• Financial problems arose regarding travelling to court and social worker said social work department couldn’t help. Youth Counsellor knew that family could not afford the £48 travel costs
• Sister of the perpetrator was threatening young person that she would harm her if she gave evidence and youth counsellor found herself mediating between the two
• There were few agencies that offered counselling to survivors of abuse. The young person tried one counselling service but was not comfortable in the environment. This caused problems, as there were no other places to go.
• Family relationships were strained with parents and young person fighting and arguing
• Mum was being taken to court for young persons non attendance

OUTCOME
The youth counsellor worked with the young person to build up self-esteem by getting her involved in other activities. One to one counselling was set up, although in this case it was ineffective.

Family mediation was suggested to family and worked for them. The youth counsellor attended school meetings and with the young persons agreement guidance staff , were made aware of the pending court case and discussions took place to try to re establish some form of schooling. A part time table was organised with the teacher’s youth counsellor. The youth counsellor supported the young person in her reintegration into school. The part time time-table did not work out for the young person as she felt that she no longer fitted into the school and now had no friends. Again a meeting was called by youth Counsellor and off site provision was suggested. The youth counsellor was the support worker for the young person and attended court with the family. This support also involved sorting out transport and finances for the family to get there. It is now a number of weeks since the court case and the family has settled down, as has the young person. The young person is now attending Avrom House and has so far had 100 per cent attendance.

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