Even with supportive carers, growing up in foster care can be challenging for a young person. Some young people may feel unsettled, displaced or may even resent their situation, which all adds to the standard trials and tribulations a young person faces when growing up.

When these challenges became too much for Kurt to bear, he would abscond from the family home. At the age of 15, Kurt faced homelessness.

As a result, Kurt began getting into trouble with the police, and faced a number of fines for legal/police matters. This was a very difficult time for Kurt, and he reached an important crossroads of either descending into further trouble, or making positive changes to choose a better path.

I’m sure you would agree, no young person should feel they have no choice but to live on the streets or couch surf. No young person should feel their lives spiral out of control as they make mistakes, leading to fines, court trials and debt, and face it all alone.

Kurt’s journey with Project Youth began with his participation in the Mentoring program where he was paired with a community member for support and guidance. With his mentor and his Project Youth Case Worker at his side, Kurt arranged Work and Development Orders to pay off his fines. He then attended Adolescent Family Counselling with Project Youth and with support, became determined to turn his life around.

It is because of donors like you, that these programs exist to help young people like Kurt. You can support another young person like Kurt to create a better future for themselves. You can build a society where adolescents are supported to make good choices, and become contributing members of our community. You can give young people like Kurt a second chance.

All young people deserve a safe, stable home in which they feel happy and secure. All young people deserve a chance to make better choices.

Kurt went on to complete a number of short courses with Project Youth’s Labour Y team, and now has a full time job. He remains in contact with his Project Youth Case Worker, who he built a strong and trusting relationship with. If ever he needs help, or wants to talk, he knows Project Youth are still here for him.

Donate today to help another young person like Kurt.