National Child Protection Week is an opportunity to highlight the vital work child protection workers do every day to support at-risk children and families.
In recognition of the week, we spoke with Ronald Dick and his long-term case manager Sophie Papaluca.
Ronald is a Yamatji-Noongar man who was previously a child in care. With a lifelong passion for the theatre, he began a career in the performing arts and most recently performed in West Australian Opera’s production of Wundig Wer Wilura. He reflects on his time in the care system and the incredible role Sophie played in supporting him.
Sophie and Ronald first met in 2014 at Darlington House where Ronald was residing at the time.
“Sophie would go out of her way to make sure I was listened to. It was not just a job, she gave dedication, she gave her life. It is family. Sophie had my back, Ronald said.
It is good knowing Sophie will forever be in my life. She has been on the journey with me. I will forever thank her for the support she has given”.
“There was always support when I needed it. Kids in care go through so much, and knowing there are Case Managers like Sophie that are supportive, you realise how much they do care”.
As his Case Manager, Sophie provided support towards Ronald, assisting with school enrolments and ensuring he had everything needed for his day-to-day care, and even assisting with the frequent phone calls and requests for fabric for his costumes for performances.
“I am really proud of Ron every day. He is the picture of resilience. Everything he has achieved is his own journey, his own strength, his personality and strength of character, it is all him”, Sophie said.
“I am proud of the rapport and the relationship we developed. We got here because of the trust we have for each other. There is a level of mutual respect that I think is really special.
Ron has been through so much; he has had some tough times. He has experienced hard times and he has overcome and how that manifests can be in some tough emotional regulation. We have come through it together and look at him now – his name should be in lights”.
Ronald reflected on his time in care saying that along with Sophie, it was his musical keyboard that got him through, knowing he was destined for the stage.
“Performing has always been my outlet. Being on the stage is my happy place. It has made me who I am today”, Ronald said.
“It is only up from here when it comes to my career. I do it to be a role model and show other people that they can do it. If you’ve been through a lot, put it towards something you love. Everything I have been through I have put towards performing and look where I am now”.
If you’re interested in finding out more about National Child Protection Week (1-7 September 2024) visit National Child Protection Week - NAPCAN.
