James

James suffered mental, physical and sexual abuse in the family home from an early age until the age of 7 and was placed into the care of his grandmother. He had a deep distrust of people other than his immediate family and if introduced to someone he did not know he would run away and hide. He was excluded from primary school for aggressive behaviour and had not attended school for approximately 18 months when White Gold Cornwall was asked to provide support.

Initially engaging with James was very difficult but over time a positive relationship developed with his White Gold worker. Through regular sessions James gradually became more confident and started to develop his social skills.

His White Gold worker gradually reintegrated James into education initially attending school for one hour a day; he worked in a room with a Teaching Assistant and his White Gold Worker. The time spent in school gradually progressed to five mornings a week and he became more involved with other students.

Although James is very intelligent the years that he had missed being educated and his lack of confidence and self-esteem severely hampered his progress. Unfortunately he was unable to achieve any qualifications and when he left school the funding (by Social Care) to provide support ceased.

At the age of 17 James was dealt a further blow when his mother committed suicide and he found this extremely difficult to deal with.

The White Gold worker regularly kept in touch with him although lack of funding restricted the support that could be offered.

James has now come to terms with the difficulties that he has experienced; he has secured a place at a college and is living independently.