An Our Way Home Success Story
When 13-year-old Alex arrived at his new home through Our Way Home, Parkerville’s out-of-home care program, he was navigating a difficult chapter in his life. Originally from Manjimup, Alex had been living with his grandmother and siblings in Armadale when an unexpected separation led to him being placed in crisis care for two weeks. Walking through the door for the first time, Alex felt overwhelmed by the sudden changes in his life and uncertain about who he could trust.
In those early weeks, Alex kept his distance. He was barely communicating, would leave the home without permission, and often had loud outbursts.
This was nothing new for Shona, Alex’s carer. Having cared for children like Alex for over a decade, she knew that, by offering consistency, patience, and a safe space to start rebuilding, Alex could, and likely would, begin to feel safe enough to trust, connect, and settle.
The turning point came when Alex’s mum moved to Perth, making regular contact possible for the first time. Twice-weekly visits with her and his siblings, with phone calls in between, helped Alex stay connected to his family and gave him something to hold onto. Gradually, he began to believe that Shona was someone who genuinely cared for him, someone who would show up and keep showing up. And Shona’s home wasn’t the one he’d come from, but it began to feel like his “other home,” a place where his family was still part of his world.
Alex has been living with Shona for three years now. Now 16, he continues to grow in confidence and independence. He’s thinking about his future, stays connected with his family, and knows that Shona’s home will always be a place he belongs. "Alex is like a different person now," says Shona. “He’s calm, he’s confident, and he’s building strong, trusting relationships. It’s been incredible to witness his growth.” Shona isn’t surprised. She’s seen this kind of transformation before, again and again, when children are given safety, consistency, and connection. “That’s what makes all the difference,” she says. “That’s when kids start to believe in themselves again.”
Alex’s story is one of many that show what’s possible when care is grounded in connection. At Parkerville, family connection and reunification are at the heart of Our Way Home, and achieved at nearly ten times the state average.
