D’s mother had overstayed without a visa for 17 years. D had no birth certificate, no identity and so was unable to access any public healthcare, welfare or education services.
We helped the family surrender themselves to the Immigration Department and secured a birth certificate for D.
D’s mother was prosecuted for overstaying and served 11 months in prison. PathFinders supported both D and the mother throughout this process, ensuring the mother was legally represented, helping to prepare the plea in mitigation and ensuring the bests interests of D were taken into consideration.
PathFiners found a temporary home for D, secured childhood immunisations and a school place. Remarkably, D is excelling in her studies. D is happy. She also has friends for the first time.
