Holding Children at the Centre During Times of Uncertainty

Supporting the Whole Family

Both the grandmother and the children’s father reached out to Jannawi seeking support and counselling. Weekly sessions were offered to all members of the family to address concerns and help the children process what they had witnessed.

The father has attended sessions and shown openness to acknowledging his past abusive behaviour towards the children’s mother, as well as his struggles with substance use. While this engagement is important, Jannawi has remained clear that the children’s safety and wellbeing must always come first.

Case management support has included assisting the grandmother to access Centrelink parenting payments and liaising closely with the children’s school.

Rebuilding Learning and Social Confidence

Before entering mainstream education, the children had been ‘homeschooled’ by their father for over a year. This schooling was largely used as a means of control, limiting their exposure to broader learning and social environments.

The children had experienced significant instability, exposure to violence, and chaotic behaviour from both parents, compounded by substance misuse and a lack of support networks in Perth.

One of the most complex aspects of this case has been supporting the eldest child, an 11-year-old boy who has taken on a highly parentified role. He often acted as a protector for his younger sister (7) and brother (6), stepping in to prevent conflict between his parents and carrying emotional responsibility well beyond his years.

Jannawi has been working with the children to rebuild social skills, emotional regulation, and a sense of safety within age-appropriate roles.

Navigating Ethical and Legal Complexity

The family matter is currently before the Western Australian Family Court, with decisions pending regarding custody and contact. The children have expressed a desire to remain in Sydney and have suggested that their mother move closer to them. However, we remain mindful of the complex family dynamics and the potential influence of adult perspectives on the children’s views.

While acknowledging the mother’s experience as a victim of violence, Jannawi has also grappled with the ethical challenge of the children now living in close proximity to the parent who caused much of the harm.

Our position has been clear and consistent: we are supporting the children to remain living with their grandmother, who is providing stability, care, and emotional safety. The grandmother herself carries feelings of guilt, grief, and responsibility related to her son’s childhood and the impact of his actions on others.

Signs of Growth Amid Uncertainty

Despite the ongoing uncertainty and emotional complexity, there have been encouraging signs of progress. In a recent meeting with the children’s school, teachers reported noticeable improvements in the children’s learning, including reading and writing, as well as positive changes in behaviour and classroom engagement.

For the grandmother, hearing this feedback was deeply affirming — a reminder that even during periods of instability, children can grow when surrounded by consistent, caring support.

Why This Work Matters

This family’s story reflects the reality of many families Jannawi supports — where trauma, caregiving, legal systems, and healing intersect. Progress is rarely straightforward, and outcomes are often uncertain.

At Jannawi Family Centre, we remain committed to:

• Holding children’s safety and wellbeing at the centre of decision-making
• Supporting caregivers who step in during crisis
• Navigating ethical complexity with integrity and care
• Providing trauma-informed, long-term support

Even in the midst of uncertainty, stability, compassion, and consistent care can create meaningful change.