Jalil, 14 years old

'I got AJ and Keira dressed and ready for school and walked them there every day. I tried to be a good role model for them because I never really had one. I didn’t want them to get treated the way I was when I was growing up.'

Before Joel came along, I felt like I had to step up and be the man of the house. I made sure our home was clean and tidy. I got AJ and Keira dressed and ready for school and walked them there every day. I tried to be a good role model for them because I never really had one. I didn’t want them to get treated the way I was when I was growing up

I like Joel because he listens and does what he says he is going to do. He hears what I want and makes it happen. Like the Family Group Conference when he called everyone on both sides of my family to make sure they came. I was a bit nervous but Joel was there to support me. I felt like I had a voice and everyone got to hear my ideas.

Things are really good living with my aunty May. I hadn’t seen some of my family for a few years before Joel found them for me. He told them that we really need their help. Now I get to just be a kid again, because aunty May is the king. She makes an awesome cob loaf and paints beautiful pictures. She is teaching all of us about art and our culture. Mum and dad visit on the weekends when they can.

Right now I’m getting into kayaking. Being out on the water gives me a chance to think. My dream job is to be an Aboriginal actor. I want to be in the movies and on Home and Away and maybe one day go to Hollywood.