Jacob* was referred to RiverTracks by his parents in 2023 when he was 15. He was rarely attending school and, when he did, often faced suspensions due to aggressive outbursts. His parents felt “he had given up” and was increasingly withdrawn at home. With a diagnosed cognitive impairment and ADHD, it made concentration and impulse control difficult.
When Jacob first joined RiverTracks, he struggled to stay on task and often resisted new activities. The youth team worked with him one-on-one, building confidence and discovering his interest in gardening and horticulture. With ongoing support, Jacob began taking the lead on group projects.
RiverTracks also helped him and his family with medication management, improving his focus and engagement during sessions. When challenges arose, the team used a restorative approach to help him understand the impact of his actions and develop insight into his triggers.
Since joining the program, Jacob has:
- Remained free of verbal or physical outbursts for several months
- Taken leadership in gardening and horticulture projects
- Begun attending school more regularly, with teachers noting improved behaviour
- Developed confidence, social connections and practical skills
*Name has been changed.
Reflecting on his experience, Jacob said:
“RiverTracks has helped me learn new skills, make new friends and manage my emotions. I feel really supported.”