Case studies

Senait is a 28-year-old woman from Eritrea referred to Kin Advocacy by a community health nurse. Her first language is Tigrigna. Senait arrived in Australia two years ago, has limited English literacy and no extended family support in Australia. Both Senait and her partner are deaf and use Auslan as their primary form of communication. She presented with three issues of concern. 

Yasin is a 43-year-old Iraqi refugee who arrived in Australia in 2015. Yasin was referred to Kin Advocacy by his GP and presented with numerous chronic health issues, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. He had lodged several unsuccessful applications for a Disability Support Pension (DSP).

Mikal is a 16-year-old living in a regional WA. Mikal has an intellectual disability and cognitive impairment. He was referred to Kin Advocacy by his school liaison officer as his primary carer’s health was rapidly declining. The school liaison officer requested support to place Mikal in safe out-of-home care before his primary carer became so unwell that crisis intervention was necessary.