We first met Kerry when she was 14 years old, following a deeply distressing and emotionally complex family situation. She had experienced significant trauma, including neglect and emotional abuse, particularly after her mother entered a new relationship.

As tensions escalated, Kerry's mother decided to relinquish parental responsibility under Section 20 of the Children's Act, while continuing to care for Kerry's older sister.

This separation left Kerry with a profound sense of rejection and loss. Already struggling with blurred boundaries and the emotional fallout from exposure to inappropriate relationships, she was left feeling unsafe, unwanted, and uncertain about her place in the world.

When Kerry arrived in our care, it was clear that she needed more than just a roof over her head. She needed a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where she could begin to rebuild her identity, regain a sense of stability, and start healing from her experiences.

Anxious and fearful

When Kerry first moved into the home, she had already disengaged from education. School had been a source of anxiety and conflict. Kerry was often disruptive and refused to engage with her classes, which would lead to the school requesting for her to be collected early.

On the back of this, Kerry was introduced to her new Registered Manager, who began building a relationship rooted in honesty, empathy, and trust. Through consistent and open conversations, the Manager gained insight into Kerry's fears about school and worked with her to create a gradual plan to reintroduce learning into her life.

With gentle encouragement and clear boundaries, Kerry began attending a mainstream school again and, in time, achieved 100% attendance. A tailored curriculum allowed her to fully participate in her Year 10 GCSEs, while her passion for music flourished through regular piano lessons.

Nurturing through creativity

Kerry thrived in one-to-one interactions with adults and found joy in board games and creative activities. Art therapy played a vital role in her progress, and she nurtured a love for painting that deepened her connection with the people around her.

As Kerry made leaps emotionally and academically, her home team recognised the potential for family therapy to help rebuild her fractured relationship with her mother. The process began slowly, and initial contact was tentative. However, over time, trust began to grow. Her mother started visiting the home and, eventually, she began collecting Kerry for visits.

Kerry also reconnected with her sister and her baby nephew, and with support and firm boundaries, began to have supervised contact with her mother's partner. Although their relationship had previously been negative, it gradually improved with the team's consistent involvement.

Kerry's 15th birthday became a meaningful milestone when she invited her mother to a celebratory outing. It was an event that symbolised Kerry's personal growth, the rebuilding of family bonds, and the positive shift in their shared dynamic.

Back in the family home

After nine months with Esland, Kerry successfully transitioned back into her mother's care. Her home team developed a tailored plan to support the move, ensuring the transition went as smoothly as possible. Kerry moved back home, fittingly, on Mother's Day.

The team ensured that Kerry left feeling proud of her progress, confident in herself, and excited about a new chapter. Ongoing support didn't stop at the doorstep; her home team remained in close contact, conducting regular welfare checks and providing continued guidance to help the family adjust and thrive.

A new chapter full of promise

Today, Kerry is flourishing at home with her mother, sister, and baby nephew. She has worked hard to strengthen her family bonds and has maintained excellent attendance at school.

Kerry now possesses the emotional resilience, educational foundation, and family connection she needs to continue building a positive and hopeful future.

"Kerry has an incredible presence; her creativity lights up every room she enters. Throughout her time with us, she never let go of her dreams. We simply gave her the space and support to focus on what made her unique. It's been a privilege to be part of her journey."

Quote from Kerry's Registered Manager

 

*We have changed the name to protect the young person’s identity.