Mother of homeless Melbourne drug addict Dan Thompson wins government review for son’s treatment

THE desperate mother of a drug addict living on Melbourne’s streets has finally convinced the government to review his case — but her son is still sleeping rough.

A MUM’S desperate efforts to save her homeless, drug-­addicted son has sparked authorities to review his treatment and support plans.

Leanne Thompson, who has slept on the street beside her son to protect him, shared her heart-wrenching story with the Herald Sun. She said she feared Daniel, 25, would die unless he got help.

PAIN OF BEING THE MUM OF A HOMELESS ADDICT

MUM’S TRAGIC VIGIL FOR HOMELESS ADDICT SON

Despite her pleas for her “baby boy” to receive ­treatment, which he is refusing, Daniel continued his life on the street yesterday.

The private school boy, who recently obtained a TAFE certificate in horticulture, land conservation and land management, has been sleeping in arcades.

His mum said he is hooked on synthetic drugs and ice.

Mum Leanne Thompson flies to Melbourne from Brisbane every 10 days to watch over her homeless son in Melbourne CBD. Picture: Alex Coppel

Department of Health and Human Services spokesman David Stockman said: “The Chief Psychiatrist is proactively looking into this matter and will investigate the care options for this individual to ensure they are receiving appropriate support.”

The Salvation Army’s Major Brendan Nottle backed Ms Thompson’s push for involuntary rehabilitation to be introduced in Victoria.

“It would great if that type of opportunity was available — in some cases it’s what will keep people alive,” he said.

Mrs Thompson wants the State Government to introduce enforced rehabilitation — as in NSW — in the hope it would save her son, and thousands of others.

“This is life-changing — I can’t focus on anything else. Everything is on hold as I can’t do anything knowing my son is on the street,” she said.

Homeless man Daniel Thompson smokes on the street. Picture: Jason Edwards

“It is the first thing I think of when I wake up and it is the last thing on my mind just before I go to bed.

“There have been times that I thought Daniel will die on the streets.”

Enforced rehabilitation is now only available in “extreme cases” where the person is at risk of homicide or suicide.

Hayley McNaughton, spokeswoman for housing and mental health Minister Martin Foley, said the state government had no plans for involuntary treatment.

“Evidence suggests that involuntary treatment of addiction is less effective than voluntary treatment in promoting long-term improvements in drug use and in reducing recidivism,” she said.

The community has rallied behind Ms Thompson and her desperate plight.

Daniel has lived rough on Melbourne streets after refusing help from his family and authorities. Picture: Jason Edwards

Mum Leanne Thompson is pleading for her son to get help. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Strangers have offered accommodation in Melbourne to the brave mum, who flies in from Brisbane every 10 days to watch over her son as he sleeps.

Others have offered a place at a treatment centre for Daniel.

In one year, Daniel went from having a home, working as a landscaper and the life of the party among mates, to ­living on the street.

He refused to speak to the Herald Sun when approached today.

Major Nottle said he has had contact with Daniel over the last 12 months and even driven him to a Salvos cafe from a police station.

“We have made him offers of accommodation but he hasn’t wanted to take them up. We are not going to give up on Daniel and we will continue to support him until he is back on his feet,” he said.

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