Emily’s Story
Emily, who is 91 years old, was referred to the Royal Commission Community Based Support Service
in Dubbo for support with stress related to issues dating back to her early childhood and time in
Parramatta Girls Home.
Emily was raised in the circus until she was nine years old when she was removed and placed into the
child welfare system. This was very traumatic for her. Emily was placed in two different foster homes
until the age of 12, when she was sent to Parramatta Girls Home. At the age of 16 she was removed
from Parramatta Girls home and committed to a psychiatric hospital for “mucking up”. Eventually
she was allowed to work around the hospital, helping to feed people and making beds but she was
under strict control and not allowed to leave the hospital for some years. One of the psychiatrists took
her in and Emily worked in the hospital for
a while on a kind of traineeship. After a few
months she was sent to a half-way house
before she was finally freed and allowed to
go out on her own.
Despite having had a difficult early life,
Emily is a very bubbly, caring and kind
person who is always wanting to help
others. Emily has lived a life roaming
around different country towns in NSW
and QLD. She had a caravan and moved
from town to town camping near creeks
and rivers or at showgrounds. Emily still
lives independently and looks after her
chickens, three dogs and a goat. Emily has
been attending her appointments on a
regular basis and enjoys the opportunity to
talk about her past, as well as her current
difficulties.
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