My name is Michele Simon, and I am the mother of a Just For Kids Law service user. I bring over 32 years of experience caring for my own children and extensive professional experience in various child and youth support roles. I have worked as a foster carer, youth advocate, children's residential care worker, Peripatetic 16+ support worker, youth housing officer, and a support and progression officer for youth homelessness.
Throughout my career, I have worked with young people aged 4 to 25 across multiple settings, including my own home, the education system, youth clubs, outreach projects, after-school clubs, children's homes, and youth hostels. I’ve also served as an appropriate adult when young people are taken into custody and navigated the youth justice system with my own son. These diverse experiences have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges young people face and the cascading impact these challenges have on those around them.