We received a referral from a Christchurch Hospital Social Worker for an 18-yearold who, while in hospital for a routine surgery, disclosed to staff that he was a transgender male.
The hospital staff were supportive, but his parents disowned him, so he was left homeless. A member of the community housed him, got him a bank account and helped him apply for a benefit.
The PCW did a home visit and made a plan to provide support. He has an emotional age much lower than his biological age, a diagnosis of dyslexia, dyspraxia, and generalised anxiety. He also struggles with phone calls, filling out forms, and basic life skills. The PCW provided the following supports for him:
