You are a family support worker and you have been assigned the following case.

Kirra and her son Tim (14 years old), live in a short-term rental property.

The family are Indigenous.

Kirra’s ex-partner Adrian, lived with the family until recently, and was physically and verbally
abusive. Although Adrian is making efforts to remain actively involved in Tim’s life, he continues
to be threatening and intimidating toward him when he gets frustrated.

Tim has always struggled with learning and socialising at school. Lately his behaviour has become
concerning to teachers as he has become disruptive and difficult to manage in class.

Kirra has a long history of substance misuse – in recent years this has mainly involved alcohol – for
which she has never received treatment.

A few weeks ago, some concerned parents reported to the school principal that at school pick up,
Kirra smelling strongly of alcohol, was being loud and behaving inappropriately. The parents did
not feel physically threatened by Kirra, but they were concerned about her loud laughing, joking
and swearing.

Following the incident at school pick-up, the principal contacted the local family support service
you work for because the principal knew that your service had provided support to the family in
the past.

After being allocated the case, you promptly introduced yourself to Kirra who expressed interest in
reengaging with your service. She also was interested in connecting with the alcohol and other
drug service, and local trauma-informed parenting group you referred her to. It is now two weeks
later and you are concerned that Kirra has not followed through with the referrals you made, and
you are concerned that Tim is not receiving the care and support he needs at home.

how might evidence and theory help you to understand and respond to the case study about Tim (week 1 lecture, slide 16)? Provide 6 - 8 sentences in your response to this question.