Registered NDIS Provider providing Specialised Substitute Residential Care, Core and Capacity Building Supports
Timmy’s Story
Lena’s journey with Paramount Youth Services was filled with challenges and triumphs. As a teenager with multiple disabilities, including dwarfism, ODD, ADHD, OCD, and attachment issues, Lena required constant support and someone to lean on. Lena entered into our care when her mother, who was her primary caregiver, had to travel to New Zealand for a family funeral, leaving Lena in the care of the agency. Lena was born with her disabilities and her state of health was deteriorating as she got older, developing anxiety and paranoia. We had youth workers looking after her as a team.
Despite her disabilities, Lena had a positive outlook on life. She enjoyed attending high school and participating in social sports, displaying an outgoing personality. Lena’s mother was instrumental in establishing support systems and securing NDIS funding for her daughter, actively working with the agency to ensure Lena’s needs were met. We were fortunate to have mum as a powerhouse to push things along and work with us.
However, Lena’s disabilities often led to violent outbursts and difficulties with emotional regulation. During one incident, while walking down the street with a youth worker, Lena became extremely upset and began vandalizing parked vehicles. She ran up to a young lady exiting her yard crying out: “They are abusing me, they are abusing me, help me! She then took hold of the young ladies sleeves, pulling her towards her. We explained that we were her youth workers supporting her and when Lina realised the young lady believed what was being said, she turned around and slapped the young lady as hard as she could, to everyone shock and surprise. We were able to convince the young lady to leave it at that and not seek out the police, she just walked into her front yard bewildered as to what just happened. Eventually, the situation was deescalated, and the police were called to handle Lena’s outburst.
Managing Lena’s self-control and emotional regulation became a significant challenge for her mother and the youth workers, she would do things that were not socially appropriate, so there have been times where Lena’s frequent outbursts made it necessary to stay in the psychiatric ward, and the workers stayed with her for support. Recognizing the need for a new approach, Paramount Youth Services provided training to Lena and her mother to help them overcome these difficulties. They were taught strategies to deal with anger, disappointment, and negative emotions, ultimately preparing Lena for an independent adult life after finishing high school.
After two years in the care of Paramount Youth Services, Lena returned to live with her mother, with a support worker providing assistance in their home. The training and strategies Lena received during her time with the agency proved invaluable. She successfully completed high school and was excited about her future, filled with positive outcomes and opportunities. Lena secured supported employment and gained the skills necessary for independent living. She no longer relied on support agencies or workers to manage her life, as she had developed self-regulation skills and acquired practical abilities like housework, cooking, and cleaning.
Lena’s mother could finally breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that she had prepared her daughter for a fulfilling adult life. Lena’s journey with Paramount Youth Services had transformed her into a capable, independent individual ready to embrace the future with confidence.
Timmy’s second Story
Zoe’s arrival at Paramount Youth Services marked a significant turning point in her life. On her 16th birthday, Zoe, who had severe disabilities and the cognitive abilities of a four-year-old, became a client of the agency. Recognizing her complex needs, a team of support workers was rostered to provide around-the-clock care and assistance. Zoe’s parents, who also had disabilities, were unable to care for her effectively. She had initially lived with her grandmother for a few years before entering foster care at the age of 7. By the time she turned 8, Zoe found herself in the care of Paramount Youth Services.
Zoe had a remarkable ability to sense fear and intuitively knew which support workers would stay by her side and provide the kindness and loyalty she sought. Although she didn’t warm up to many support workers, a few stood out, and she formed trusting relationships with them. As a result, Zoe started participating in social sports, such as basketball, and enjoyed engaging in fun activities like trips to the beach.
However, Zoe’s disabilities often led to violent outbursts that were difficult to control. She found herself in the psychiatric ward on numerous occasions and relied heavily on medication. Certain triggers, like the sound of ambulance and police sirens, would set off antisocial behaviors, causing her to smash things and even attack support workers. Zoe seemed to welcome these escalated emotions and would deliberately seek the attention of the police. At one point, Zoe’s destructive behavior resulted in her damaging the flat where she was living. During her time in the hospital, PYS staff provided support to Zoe and worked alongside the hospital staff to implement coping strategies for her challenging behavior. The agency was fortunate to learn valuable strategies during this collaboration, which proved useful in assisting other clients as well.
With the assistance of PYS staff, Zoe started to gain more control over her negative emotions and learn new skills, she experienced a significant positive transformation. She became calmer and happier, and the frequency of her visits to the psychiatric ward decreased. Zoe’s newfound self-regulation and growing independence became important milestones in her life.
Eventually Zoe had to be relocated to another disability service in Orange. Unfortunately, we heard that Zoe struggled to establish connections with the staff there and couldn’t commit to the new environment.
The dedicated staff at Paramount Youth Services invested a great deal of effort into making a positive impact on Zoe’s life. They recognized that transformation could come in various forms, regardless of whether they were big or small, as long as they were aligned with the goals set for each individual client. Zoe’s progress exemplified the agency’s commitment to supporting and empowering young people with disabilities.
Julie’s Story
My role as a case coordinator is to support my clients by organising their supports and resources in Out of Home Care and rostering Youth Workers who care for them.
I have numerous clients, but one stands out in my mind; a 12 year old girl who we will call Sandra, she came to us after not having secure place to live and to be cared for. She went out searching for food in the community and was invited by many, her friends would invite her and feed her and then she would end up staying with them for extended periods.
Sandra was not an unruly child except on one occasion when she was sitting on the back seat of the car. Sandra wanted to be driven to a particular place, but there was no time in our schedule, as we were driving, she became irritated and struck me. We stopped and I got out of the car and I waited for her to vent her frustrations and calm down.
I thought about this incident and concluded that she was testing me to see if I would continue to support and care for her even though she had the outburst and hit me. Sandra was challenging me and not just me, but other youth workers to see how far she could push the boundaries when she entered Out of Home Care. She did this to see who she could rely on and trust, who would not leave her as she has previously experienced abandonment.
On entering our service Sandra had no routine in place; personal hygiene, going to bed at regular time, attending school or regular mealtimes. We negotiated a routine schedule which initially she did not adhere too, but we were patient, we prompted and reminded her to complete the tasks using positive reinforcements and praise for any effort even if it was small, that she made. One example is explaining the reasoning behind having to brush her teeth daily, the benefits and negative consequences if she didn’t. She responded positively once she understood why she needed to have an established routine; regularly brushing her teeth, getting ready to go to school on time, handing over her mobile phone, etc. Regular positive reinforcements, consistency in staff care, openness and transparency, patience and kindness Paramount Youth Services provided had a really positive impact on Sandra. She finally felt safe, confident, and cared for.
Those nagging questions at the back of her mind; “Are you going to stay? Are you going to come back even though I attacked you, and why would you? Have been answered and no need to continue to test anyone as the answer was: ‘’ Yes, I am staying, not leaving you, because I care for you and want help you”.
It is important to note that Sandra’s initial outburst was not a sign of unruliness or misbehaviour, but rather a test of trust and reliability. By continuing to support and care for her, the staff was able to demonstrate that they were there for her no matter what!
Eventually after 4 months Sandra entered a routine, we established consistency in her life. Having the same workers rostered at the same time and forming positive relationships with Paramount Youth Service staff, well trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, had greatly impacted her transformation. Youth Workers encouraged engaging in open communication, she was listened too and respected. Paramount Youth Services had staff team consulting and feedback regarding Sandra’s circumstances and progression on a regular basis.
Sandra’s story serves as a reminder that every person has unique needs and challenges, and that it takes patience, understanding, and a willingness to listen in order to support them in achieving their goals.
Christian’s Story
Christian’s work with Peter, an 11-year-old boy with autism, ADD, and ADHD, showcased the transformative power of consistent support and mentorship. Peter entered Out of Home Care with Paramount Youth Services, initially exhibiting challenging behavior and getting into trouble frequently.
Recognizing the importance of consistency and routine, a group of youth workers was organized to provide support to Peter. He was paired with regular workers who were rostered with him on a weekly basis, ensuring a stable environment for his growth and development. However, at the age of 15, Peter transitioned to another provider for a year before returning to Paramount Youth Services.
Unfortunately, during this period, Peter’s circumstances and mental state deteriorated, leading to his incarceration. Christian, as Peter’s youth worker, visited him regularly during his time in incarceration , conducting long mentoring sessions. A strong and trusting relationship was established, enabling Christian to guide Peter towards a more productive and positive life, away from destructive behaviors.
On a another occasion after being released, Peter came home with two pairs of expensive sneakers, prompting Christian’s curiosity about how he acquired them without the financial means. After some probing, Peter admitted to stealing them from a neighbor’s garage. Christian engaged Peter in a long discussion about his actions and the potential consequences of continuing down a path of theft and criminal activity, emphasizing the possibility of imprisonment. Recognizing the need for a change, Peter agreed to return the stolen sneakers to his neighbor and apologize for his actions. This pivotal moment marked a turning point for Peter, as he genuinely wanted a positive transformation in his life. The regular mentoring sessions provided by Christian helped Peter understand the importance of self-regulating his emotions, gaining independence, and taking control of his life.
Christian’s guidance and support proved instrumental in shaping Peter’s mindset and encouraging him to make better choices. By instilling a sense of accountability and responsibility, Christian helped Peter develop the skills necessary for personal growth and positive change.
Peter’s journey demonstrates the profound impact that consistent support and mentorship can have on young individuals facing challenges. Through Christian’s mentorship and guidance, Peter gained the tools to redirect his path and strive for a more promising future.
Sonja’s Story
Sonja is one of the dedicated support workers who was assigned to David’s care when he entered Paramount Youth Services. When David first arrived as an eleven year old, he was in a very neglected state. He had severe autism, was nonverbal, wore diapers, and had a limited diet consisting only of chicken nuggets. Recognizing his needs, Sonja and her team organized a permanent 24/7 support system for David, with two support workers present at any given time.
David required assistance with every aspect of his daily life, including toilet training. Sonja and her team patiently taught him various skills from scratch. Within just one week, they managed to introduce different foods into his diet, ensuring he received proper nutrition. This was a significant milestone for David’s well-being.
Communication was another crucial aspect of David’s development. Due to his inability to express himself, he often experienced outbursts of anger and violence. To address this, Sonja and her team implemented a visual board to establish communication channels and establish a daily routine. David initially communicated through moans and gradually learned to use a Velcro board with visuals. Over time, he even acquired simple language skills, allowing him to express his needs and ideas using short phrases like “David hungry” or “go outside.”
David exhibited a natural affinity for numbers and had a talent for working with them. He also developed a love for music and learned to play the keyboard. This brought him joy and laughter, further enriching his life and aiding his overall progress.
Thanks to the regular routines and unwavering commitment of the Paramount Youth Workers, David made remarkable progress. In less than a year, he transitioned from requiring two support workers during each shift to only needing one. He settled into a consistent routine, was able to have baths independently, and became capable of communicating his needs to the youth workers.
Through the consistent support and dedication of the Paramount Youth Workers, David’s development continued to flourish. By the time he turned 13, he had achieved a level of independence that allowed him to join primary school classes. At this stage, he had three support workers on his team, each providing personalized attention. During his time with Paramount Youth Services, David built strong relationships with the youth workers, feeling safe and cared for while benefiting from their dedication, patience, and kindness.
Brendan’s Story
Brendan’s Story showcases the journey of Steven, a 15-year-old youth who faced multiple challenges and was placed in Out of Home Care under the care of Paramount Youth Services (PYS). Steven had previously been with PYS but was placed with carers, which unfortunately resulted in a breakdown of the relationship and his return to Out of Home Care.
Steven presented with various issues, including anger management problems, violent outbursts, absconding behaviour, and a history of drug abuse. These challenges made it difficult to provide him with a stable and safe environment. His placement with carers broke down after just two weeks due to his negative behaviour, leading him back to PYS.Upon his return to PYS, Steven’s attitude showed immediate improvement. However, the funding body responsible for his care was hesitant to continue supporting him in Out of Home Care. The Department of Community and Justice (DCJ) suggested placing him in independent living arrangements, but PYS argued that he was not yet ready for such a transition. They believed that Steven required mentorship and guidance to develop the necessary skills for his future.
PYS had established a strong rapport with Steven, and he trusted their youth workers. He had a strong desire for belonging, which allowed PYS and DCJ to collaborate on a plan to develop his independent living skills. This plan involved implementing a narrative structure where every task, such as cooking, cleaning, attending school, and arranging transportation, was written down. This approach helped track Steven’s progress from shift to shift, enabling the team to observe his development with the support of his caregivers and casework team.
Steven’s transformation became evident as he transitioned from a young person in need of constant guidance and reassurance to someone capable of regulating his emotions, making sound decisions, and taking positive steps in life. He began to understand the consequences of his actions, reduced his anger and violent outbursts, and gained the ability to recognize and self-regulate his emotions.
Through the dedicated efforts of PYS, the support of the casework team, and Steven’s own eagerness to improve, he was able to overcome significant challenges and make positive strides toward a better future.