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Kelly is a 30 year old woman with 3 children who has come to your service for help and attends with her mother Amanda, aged 54.
Kelly has 3 children. Samuel aged 11, Cailtlin aged 9, Sampson aged 7. Samuel and Caitlin’s father Noah has filed for visitation rights for the children and is currently filing for sole custody. Kelly reports that he was emotionally and physically violent to her which is the reason she left the relationship. Caitlin is having difficulties with reading and writing at school. Kelly reports she seems odd and withdrawn. The teacher has mentioned autism but as yet no diagnosis has been made. No referrals to any other professional apart from yourself have been made either.
Kelly’s new partner William is a refugee from Nigeria. He is currently being deported by the Australian Government. Kelly asks you to work with the embassy to see what needs to be done to keep William in the country. William currently works as a brick layer and all of his workmates are illegal immigrants. William also has issues with alcohol at times which Kelly says he uses to relieve stress. William is reported to be a good father to all of the children and they are happy in the relationship. Kelly tells you that William is shy of social workers because he had some trauma during his escape from his country and he does not trust anyone in power. He also is more comfortable speaking his own language.
Amanda has a long history of chronic health issues. She has had several hospital surgeries. She is currently married to Liam who is a chef and works long hours away from the house. Liam has two children, one of whom is 16 (Alexander) who currently lives with them. Alexander sees his mum Emma every weekend. Emma lives with her partner Alan who has three teenage daughters. Alexander is changing schools as he has had a few emotional and behavioural issues and Amanda and Liam feel he needs more structure and rules. Emma is Muslim and Liam is not. They have large arguments as to how Alexander should be raised which often leads to yelling and upset. Amanda avoids Emma as they fight about the new school, which is Catholic. Emma is not supportive of the teachings of a new faith for her son. However, Amanda reports that Emma is a loving and interested mum. Amanda does state that her rules are more strict than Emma’s and she has recently caught Alexander smoking marijuana in the back yard. She says if he continues he will not be allowed to live with her family as she is against drugs. Emma is stating she cannot take him into her care at this time either due to the girls ages and her concern about Alexanders behaviour. Amanda also mentions that Liam is being retrenched and is thinking about retiring. Amanda is not sure if the family will have enough to live on and does not seem to understand what services Liam may be eligible for. She says their superannuation is in a mess and neither of them have medical or life insurance due to the costs. Amanda mentions she saw a flyer for making a will at the shop and she wonders how she might do this for herself and Liam.
Amanda is also concerned about her older son Colby who is currently paying a surrogate who is pregnant with twins. Colby lives an hour away with his partner Brett. Brett has had issues in the past with a gambling addiction and Amanda worries about the stress of the new borns and how this might affect her son. She asks do you have any resources or ideas of how to support Colby and his family. Colby and Brett are both working and Amanda worries about how prepared they are for twins.
Amanda’s youngest child Brittany has recently been diagnosed with anxiety. Brittany has been unable to hold a job and has been living with Amanda recently. Amanda reports she is moody and finds it difficult to help around the house or contribute in any way. Amanda has been financially supporting her. Brittany tried to see a social worker but did not like talking. Amanda thinks she needs a therapy that is less talking and asks do you know of anything that she could look into. Brittany likes art, music, animals and cooking. Brittany has had troubles sleeping and making friends. She does not know what she wants to do for the future.
Amanda works several jobs to support her large family. She has the grandchildren for dinner every night and every second weekend she cares for them so Kelly has a break. She pays for them to do dance, karate and learn the recorder. She pays their school fees and uniform. Kelly does not work. Kelly is studying at TAFE to get her EN certificate and talks about becoming a nurse. Amanda reports that she holds money for Kelly every fortnight because otherwise she would spend it on cigarettes and other trivial things instead of food for the children.
Amanda identifies as Aboriginal and asks you if you are aware of any services the family can access due to this. Amanda was removed as a child as part of the Stolen Generations and she is not sure if her children can access any services or not. Amanda reports that she ran away from her husband due to severe domestic violence and as a result, she has no contact with any one from her home town anymore. Her father identifies as Aboriginal but he has not returned home for a long time.
Kelly wants you to write a report for the court outlining her ability to be sole custodian of her sons and also wants you to speak to the school about more support for her children.

Attachments:

aassessment.docxkellys-case-s….docxmarkeet-sheet….docx