Leopold mum Kendall Lester pleads for system-wide plan for ‘troubled’ son Archie

A “terrified” Geelong mum is pleading for her 16-year-old son to “come home”, saying the once “happy child” has been failed by a system unwilling to help him.

Leopold mum of four boys Kendall Lester said her son Archie was a happy child who grew up in Drysdale, but since his diagnosis with numerous mental health issues, he had become a victim of a broken system.

A Leopold mum is pleading for government services to work “collaboratively” to help her troubled teen, who is missing for the second time in less than a week.

Mum of four Kendall Lester said her son Archie grew up a happy child in Drysdale, but had struggled with a “lethal combination” of autism, ADHD and a mild intellectual disability that caused behavioural issues from a young age.

Ms Lester said by the time he was 16, it led to such violent behaviour it was unsafe for Archie to live at home with her other three sons.

“When he’s not escalated, he’s a gentle lovely boy,” she said.

“But it was to the point where he was escalated daily.”

“And he would chase the others around the house with knives, axes.”

Archie was a “happy” boy who grew up in Drysdale.

Ms Lester said there were many system failures, as he had been passed between the NDIS, the police, hospitals, and Mental Health Services for years.

Until 18 months ago, Archie attended Nelson Park School - a prep to year 12 special school for students diagnosed with a mild intellectual disability.

He was removed after he attempted to throw himself in front of a bus.

Ms Lester said Archie’s behaviour improved when the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding enabled him to undergo equestrian therapy instead of school.

“He was at equestrian training... and thriving,” Ms Lester said.

“He was engaged, he was connected, he was happy.”

She said it came crashing down when they were told he was no longer able to attend with his NDIS funding during school hours.

“So then he was enrolled at Saint’s College,” she said.

“The staff are amazing there and very proactive and empathetic, but all he’s learnt how to do is use public transport and access drugs.”

A few months later, Archie was admitted to Sunshine Hospital by police after two suicide attempts, and shackled to the hospital bed due to his violent behaviour.

Ms Lester said after he was treated, she was told he would be taken to Banksia Ward for mental health at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“Three hours later they came to me and said there’s no beds at Banksia and Archie’s going to be discharged,” she said.

“I cried.”

She said the hospital discharged her son, signing off “a blatant lie” that he was “stable” and had recovered, despite the fact he was still volatile and suicidal.

Ms Lester said its evident these troubled children are being pushed aside, as no one service can help.

“A child with disabilities, failing mental health and behavioural concerns doesn’t fit neatly into one service’s box,” she said.

“It requires a combined approach and a willingness to do things a little bit differently and often collaboratively.

Western Health chief operating officer John Ferraro said while patient wellbeing was a priority, he was unable to provide information due to privacy.

Anyone with information on Archie’s whereabouts should contact Werribee Police.

Mental Health Treatment, as this is a mainstream service, is not funded by NDIS.

A National Disability Insurance Agency (NIDIA) spokeswoman provided background on Archie’s case but did not directly comment.

If you need help call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Originally published as Leopold mum Kendall Lester pleads for system-wide plan for ‘troubled’ son Archie