But she knew what she was about to do was vitally important, so she took the step and abseiled off The Bluff.

Harvey*, the 15-year-old in her care, wasn’t about to be out done, and followed quickly behind.

A moment that DCP Adventurer Activity Instructor David Magarey believes demonstrates the power of building relationships with children and young people, despite the challenges they face along the way.

“The only reason he did this was because Moana did,” said David, who has a nationally recognised rock climbing and abseiling instructor qualification.

“She was terrified – this was really outside her comfort zone.

“And on the back of that he said if she’s going to do it, I’m going to too.

“That’s the power of having the right staff there.”

That day at The Bluff was all part of the Department for Child Protection’s Youth Adventure and Recreational Services (YARS) program, which follows the Australian Adventure Activity Standards.

A short time after that exhilarating day near Victor Harbor, Harvey moved into independent living with his older brother, who also took part in the YARS program.

He’s become more independent and feels more comfortable catching public transport – something both struggled to do as they grew up in care.

David has been with the program since 2018, and worked with Harvey and his brother for the past few years.

He used their passion for food to engage with them and bring them into the program, which provides therapeutic opportunities for children and young people to develop and strengthen identity, resilience and self-esteem.

“Food was a cultural connection for the brothers,” David said “So their program was based around what activities we could do that were near their favorite Halal shops.

“Boating at West Beach and bike riding in North Adelaide made good food/activity combinations. “Sharing a meal was a great opportunity to learn about each other, share highlights of the day and opened the door to many new conversations.

“As a next step we bought a charcoal barbecue and some of their favourite foods, and they cooked up some great meals for us.”

“This was for two kids who would never leave their room.”

Moana agrees the day was a pivotal moment in Harvey’s life.

In her’s too.

“I was massively pleased with myself,” she said. “It was the greatest thing I’ve done in years.

“I am a ‘no thank you, I’m good’ type of person.”

But Moana, who is a youth worker with HenderCare, knew she had to take the leap.

“I thought how am I going to turn this around,” she said.

“I didn’t walk up this hill for nothing. I was petrified. It was pure emotion; I’ve never been more proud of myself.

“But it broke a barrier with him. It definitely changed his perspective.

“He didn’t grow up in western culture, but both he and his brother are now living independently.

“I put it down to YARS. It’s an unbelievable program for children who are disengaged.”

*Not his real name