Charlee and Fisher
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
Charlee is in her late 30s and has an intellectual disability. Until recently, she lived in the same home for four years. Her father, Fisher, told us she has always been ‘very happy and stable’.
Charlee’s parents are in their 70s.
At the end of March 2020, Fisher received an unexpected email from the CEO of Charlee’s group home provider stating that Charlee couldn’t return to the home after a weekend stay with her family.
The CEO’s email said that Charlee didn’t understand how to socially distance from other residents and staff, and was unable to thoroughly wash her hands. Fisher told us Charlee needs the same assistance as a preschooler and her carers were aware of her needs. However, he agreed to keep her home, thinking it would be for a limited time.
The situation escalated when Fisher received another email in May, providing one month’s notice of the termination of Charlee’s service agreement. Charlee had still not returned to the group home at this time. The email said the decision to terminate was made ‘in light of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions’. It also suggested that Charlee received extra support from her carers to the detriment of the other residents.
The service provider refused to let Charlee say goodbye to the carers or other residents who had become her friends. Fisher said the sudden termination devastated Charlee, causing long-term stress and a 10-day episode of ‘anxiety-related catatonia’. Fisher said Charlee has not responded well to the significant disruption to her lifestyle, including no contact with her housemates and her carers.
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.