Case study: Gemma’s story

Gemma was 14 and lived with her great grandmother as her mother was not able to care for her. Gemma was not attending school.

There were significant concerns about her behaviour in the local community. She was staying out very late and there were concerns that she was starting fires.

Her great grandmother’s health was not good and there were concerns that she may not be able to continue to care for Gemma.

A family meeting was held to explore who within the network may be able to care for Gemma and what needed to happen to make sure that Gemma was safe. The family agreed that Gemma would go to live with her Granny.

One of the outcomes that the family wished to achieve was to make sure that the room that Gemma was to move to at her Granny’s was freshly decorated and had all the necessary furniture. The family also identified that Gemma needed support to help her manage her feelings.

Gemma’s aunty had a boxing bag. Gemma was interested in trying this sport and asked if she could have some boxing gloves.

Following the family meeting the social worker agreed a Self-directed Support (SDS) budget to ensure Gemma’s new bedroom was furnished and decorated. An SDS budget was also agreed to pay for boxing gloves and Gemma’s Aunt took Gemma shopping for these.

This SDS payment was part of a range of support that was offered to the family to ensure Gemma continued to be cared for by her family.