When Riley first came to Youth Futures Community School, he was in a space between endings and beginnings. Having just returned to Perth with his mum at the end of 2022, Riley was clear about one thing: he didn’t want to return to a mainstream school environment that had previously left him feeling misunderstood and unsupported.
His mum had made a promise — no more traditional schooling — and it was a promise she intended to keep. Through the Department of Education, they were referred to Youth Futures, and when they came in for a tour, Riley didn’t hesitate. He turned to his mum and said this was where he wanted to be.
He had to wait a term for a space to open, but even before he enrolled, there was a sense that Riley had found a place that would honour who he was and support who he was becoming.
From the outset, it was clear that Riley had incredible strengths: creativity, loyalty, a sharp sense of humour, and a deep care for others. But he’d also been navigating the long-term impacts of relational trauma, anxiety, and disrupted learning experiences. What he needed wasn’t just an education — he needed a team.
Through the coordinated efforts of our multidisciplinary staff team, Riley was able to re-engage with learning in a way that felt safe, respectful, and meaningful. Our trauma-informed approach allowed us to meet Riley where he was — not focusing on “fixing” him but instead creating the right conditions for him to grow.
Riley developed core social and emotional skills that supported his wellbeing and his relationships with peers and staff. He learned how to recognise social cues, communicate more openly, and advocate for his own needs. He began to set healthy boundaries — both with others and within himself. He also came to understand that connection doesn’t have to mean co-dependency.
Throughout his time here, Riley’s confidence grew alongside his independence. He became a trusted and reliable friend to those around him, known for his loyalty and his fun-loving spirit. His creativity — always a strong part of who he is — found space to flourish, and by the end of his time with us, Riley graduated successfully from our Clarkson Youth Futures Community School and had been accepted into his dream animation course.
It was a proud moment for everyone who walked alongside Riley during his journey. His growth has been hard-earned — not just a reflection of his own inner resilience, but of the power of wraparound, student-centred support.
The staff at Youth Futures played a pivotal role in Riley’s journey — from his classroom teachers to our administration team and youth workers. Their consistent presence, patience, and unwavering advocacy made an immeasurable impact.
Riley’s story reminds us why we do this work. With the right support, young people can heal, grow, and move forward with hope. We’re so proud of him — and we can’t wait to see where his creativity and strength take him next.
*Name has been changed to protect the student's privacy.