A long time has passed since I was first asked to attend my first conference. When the Local Coordinator came to my house with the notice saying I had to attend, I was very worried and did not go to the first two conferences. However, I was given a third chance by the Commissioners. The Local Coordinator came to my house again and asked me to attend. Luckily, this time, I did.
The Commissioners spoke to me about the notifications they had received and my problems. We agreed together that I needed some help and support to get me through the difficult time I was having. The Commissioners and I talked for a long time and, in the end, we wrote down a case plan. I agreed to attend the Family Income Management (FIM) office to help me with my financial problems, and the Commissioners helped me sort out my problems with the Department of Corrections so I could complete my probation requirements.
The past year has been a good year. I have finished all my parole requirements and saved for a number of household items. My kitchen is now complete with a fridge and a microwave. My house is gradually filling up with furniture, and I am now saving for some Pride of Place work on my garden. I have also talked to my family about saving as a group so we can move into a bigger, newer house because our house is very crowded.
Taking these steps with my family has increased my self-confidence a lot and has also given me the confidence to take over the care of my nephew. I was able to do this because I now feel that I can provide him with a happy and safe environment, with all the household items, care and attention that he needs.
