Family Restoration Success

Since April 2024, the Botany Office has been working with a young mother whose 2-year-old son entered care due to significant concerns around her mental health, exposure to severe domestic violence, substance use, and disengagement from support services.

At the time, long-term final orders were being pursued, as restoration did not appear to be a viable option.

This marked a turning point - she began engaging meaningfully with services and committed to sobriety throughout her pregnancy.

In early 2025, the mother became pregnant again. This marked a turning point - she began engaging meaningfully with services and committed to sobriety throughout her pregnancy.

From March to July 2025, she has:

• Participated in domestic violence and drug and alcohol counselling
• Completed twice-weekly random drug testing, all returning negative results
• Attended regular meetings with Key Assets Australia (KAA) and the Department of Communities and Justice(DCJ)
• Expressed strong motivation to reunify with her son and provide a safe environment for her newborn daughter.

KAA commissioned a restoration assessment, which provided compelling evidence of the mother’s progress and capacity for change.

Initially, DCJ maintained that restoration was not possible. However, KAA commissioned a restoration assessment, which provided compelling evidence of the mother’s progress and capacity for change. This led to a significant shift - DCJ agreed to change the case plan goal to restoration.

As of July 2025, both DCJ and KAA are actively supporting the restoration process, recognising the mother’s sustained efforts and the positive impact of coordinated support.

This outcome highlights the power of persistence, partnership, and belief in a parent’s capacity to change.

It’s a testament to the work of the Botany team (Social Worker, Support Services & Team Manager) and our sector partners in keeping children safe while supporting family reunification wherever possible.