Sarah* came to Youthlaw for help with driving offences and fines. During childhood her mother suffered from schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder and attempted to commit suicide. When Sarah turned 18 she started using ice and marijuana and was experiencing a lot of mental health issues. She had attempted suicide twice. Youthlaw represented Sarah in court. The court heard that during the offending period she was struggling with family conflict and her ongoing mental health and substance abuse issues. On this basis, the court dismissed all 40 of the toll road fines and fined her $300 for the Traffic camera offences.
Since the court case Sarah’s wellbeing has significantly improved. She has been linked with support services and receives treatment for her anxiety and depression. She has been working part time in the same job for two years and “loves it.” Sarah is also studying for a Diploma of Child Services and is expected to complete this by the end of the year. Sarah lives with her father and has a partner who she has been in a relationship with for one year. These relationships are very stable and supportive.
*Sarah is a pseudonym to protect the client’s identity.