My kids and I have learned new skills and a better way of handling things thanks to the time I have had with the FRC Commissioners in Doomadgee.
At one point in my life, I had none of my kids in my care. I was not working, and I was bed-surfing from one home in Doomadgee to another. I didn’t really care for life. I have been in trouble with the law and made many wrong choices. I didn’t think anyone else cared about me either. I first came before the Commission for a child safety matter, and the Commissioners talked to me about the benefits my kids would gain if they were to attend school regularly. I would prefer a better life for my kids, a life with more opportunities for them. I realised it was time to take control of my life and allow my kids and I the chance to feel proud; to take responsibility for my actions and make a better life for them.
I could see that the FRC and the Commissioners wanted to see me and my kids get the help we needed to sort out our fighting at home, so I started getting some support for all of us. I could not do this alone and agreed with the Commissioners that I would attend a local service to get the family the help we needed. The support I received has helped me to change so many behaviours in my life, and because of that I was able to show that I was fit to care for my kids again.
My kids now live with me permanently and they are so much happier. I was put on income management when my kids were not attending school regularly, and I understand the reason that decision was made. Things are different now that the kids are at school more often. They are more confident in themselves, and they are bullied far less at school. It is because of the BasicsCard that I now have our rent and bills paid in advance, and we always have food in our home.
The Commissioners have shown me the way to accept greater responsibility for my decisions, and they have helped me to learn how to make good decisions and how to be a better parent. I now know it is the decisions I make right now for my kids that will make their future a better place, and I believe our family has a future full of new possibilities.
