Imagine that you have never felt loved or experienced a sense of self-worth. Or that you have never felt safe in your home or enjoyed the reassurance that there will always be a place where you feel welcome.
Unfortunately, young people across Queensland experience these emotions every day.
In Rockhampton and the Capricornia region, teenagers that need physical and emotional support to overcome a range of challenges that stem from their disadvantaged upbringing can find refuge, support and guidance at Carinity On Track.
Already in the child safety system, a majority of On Track residents arrive at our service after experiencing significant trauma such as domestic violence and drug or alcohol abuse in their home.
"These are young people who have gone through significant hardship and, through no fault of their own, are unable to live with their parents or other carers. We help the young people to feel safe by providing them with a nurturing and supportive home environment," says Carinity On Track Program Coordinator, Janine Haddon.
On Track's initial priority is to make residents feel safe and secure - providing them the home-like environment they have lacked in their lives to date.
Once the teenagers develop those feelings of security, the On Track team turn their focus to building the skills the teenagers need to rise above the challenges they have faced and turn their lives around.
"We encourage our young people to engage in education or work and provide them with a supportive and nurturing environment to help them achieve their goals. We reward their achievements," Janine said.
According to Janine, each resident's goals are different. What is consistent, however, is the unconditional support residents receive from Carinity staff.
"We are there for the young people 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We celebrate and support their successes, hopes and dreams," she adds.
"It is our hope that, in the future, the young people will look back at their time with On Track and remember the safety, support and nurturing they received; the positive memories; and the trusting, secure relationships they had with our staff."
You can help Carinity to continue providing invaluable services to at-risk youth in a number of locations throughout Queensland,
