Brooke's story

When Brooke’s* partner went to gaol, she was left alone with a six-month-old baby and a six-year-old son with Asperger’s. She spent hours each day getting her son to and from school using public transport and found it impossible to manage his behaviour at home and at school.

He was frequently sent home or suspended from school due to his violent behaviour towards teachers and students.

Brooke was emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted when the school referred her to Mission Australia’s Referral for Active Intervention (RAI) service for help. RAI supports children aged 0-10 years and their families, and operates with the aim of preventing children being removed from parental care and placed in protection.

In consultation with school guidance officers, behavioural intervention teachers and a Paediatrician, RAI assisted Brooke to successfully move her son to a school that was better-resourced and closer to home. Armed with new uniforms, new books and a clear plan, Brooke's son started this new stage of life with an optimism and self assurance that surprised her.

The positive change in Brooke's son is testament to effective planning between RAI and herself. Sometimes simple routines such as regular bed-time hours, or an informal rewards system, can contribute to a child's good behaviour. Conflict in Brooke's family is now prevented instead of having to be resolved.

Brooke now enjoys giving more attention to her new baby as she watches her son confidently settle in at his new school and make his first friends.

Mission Australia’s Referral for Active Intervention service (RAI) operates in Brisbane's outer western corridor in partnership with the Queensland Department of Communities (Child Safety).

*Name and image have been changed to protect client's identity