The Rogers family’s story

An Aboriginal family of six comprising of Dad, Mum, and four children with significant learning difficulties, the Rogers* family had not had a stable home in 20 years. There was a long history of methamphetamine abuse with both parents, employment problems, ongoing domestic violence, inadequate supervision of the children, neglect, and poor school attendance.

After being referred to the Functional Family Therapy – Child Welfare (FFT-CW) program, the first step was to meet with the program therapist. Crucially, the therapist met with the whole family in their home where they felt most comfortable, listening to their family history and their current concerns and challenges both in and outside of the home.

After the initial assessment phase, the therapist worked on ways to implement changes in the family’s behaviour; ensuring that their historical trauma and Aboriginal culture was respected at all times. Slowly but surely, the family and the therapist worked collaboratively on developing culturally appropriate ways to improve the family dynamics. 

The case has now been closed for over 12 months and there have been no further Risk Of Significant Harm (ROSH) reports.

For a family to have had constant engagement with services for decades to now have no input from services whatsoever is a significant achievement for the Rogers family and the FFT-CW program.

*Names changed to protect identities