When Children Come Home: Advocacy, Healing, and Hope

A Long Journey Through “The System”

The two girls, now aged five and six, were removed from their mother’s care more than three years ago. During that time, they experienced four different placements, including multiple moves before being placed with paternal family members where they were exposed to further harm and unsafe environments.

Their final placement was with an elderly carer who, despite best intentions, was unable to manage the girls’ trauma-related behaviours. By this stage, the placement was beginning to break down, and concerns for the children’s wellbeing were escalating.

Throughout this period, Jannawi remained deeply concerned about the ongoing instability and the impact of repeated removals on the children’s emotional, behavioural, and developmental needs.

Honouring Children’s Voices

As part of the Children’s Court process, Jannawi prepared a comprehensive court report that centred the voices of the children and clearly outlined the risks of them remaining within the out-of-home care system.

The report highlighted the trauma the girls had already experienced, the cumulative harm caused by multiple placements, and the protective factors present in their mother’s care. Following this, the Children’s Legal Representative supported the recommendation for the children to return home.

Once the Court made its decision, Jannawi worked closely with the family to develop a graduated contact schedule, increasing visits while providing consistent counselling support to both the mother and the girls.

Returning Home

After four weeks of supported contact, the girls returned home permanently.

Since returning to their mother’s care, significant improvements have been observed — both at school and at home. Teachers and carers have noted positive changes in behaviour, emotional regulation, and overall wellbeing.

While acknowledging that the early weeks can feel like a “honeymoon phase,” it is clear that the children are experiencing stability, safety, and connection that had been missing for a long time.

The mother has shown enormous strength and commitment, engaging fully with support and creating a nurturing environment for her children to heal and grow.

Ongoing Advocacy

This journey is not yet complete. Three of the family’s five children remain within the system, including an eight-year-old son. Jannawi continues to actively advocate for their safe restoration to their mother’s care.

Aisha has provided extensive, dedicated support throughout this process — working alongside the family, advocating within court proceedings, and challenging out-of-home care agencies to apply trauma- and violence-informed approaches. This has included pushing for a deeper understanding of the long-term impacts of violence, removal, and instability on children’s lives.

Why Language — and Advocacy — Matters

At Jannawi, we hold a clear and firm position: the out-of-home care system often functions as a form of systemic abuse for children and young people. Many of the most vulnerable children receive very little actual care, while experiencing ongoing disruption, loss, and harm.

For this reason, we intentionally avoid using the word “care” and instead refer to “the system.” Language matters. We believe it is important to be honest — and to avoid inadvertently sending children the message that their needs are being met when they are not.

Holding Hope at the Centre

This family’s story is a powerful reminder of what is possible when advocacy is persistent, children’s voices are honoured, and systems are challenged to do better.

Children belong in safe, loving homes — not in systems that repeatedly fail to protect them.

At Jannawi Family Centre, we will continue to stand alongside families, challenge harmful systems, and work towards outcomes that prioritise healing, dignity, and justice for children.