A young teenage client in your care, with a mild intellectual disability has been homeless for the past 9 months and using significant amounts of alcohol and other drugs to cope with his stress and anxiety. He is extremely withdrawn and appears to be anxious and has a very low mood. His mother is incarcerated and at this stage there is no plan for him to see her in prison. He is uninterested in engaging with his peers, or participating in social events and activities with others. You have tried to speak with him many times, but the client says "I'm okay. I just miss my Mum" He has no appetite and you have heard them crying from time to time. One night, he grabs a kitchen knife and holds it to his throat and screams "I will kill myself if I can't see my Mum".
How are the issues of trauma, child protection, disability, homelessness and mental health all connected?
How are the issues of trauma, child protection, disability, homelessness and mental health all connected