Gilbert van Hoeydonck

The Best of Intentions Gilbert van Hoeydonck

Kurt is a disillusioned case worker struggling in an under-resourced child protection system. When he takes on the case of Gecko, a sixteen-year-old with a traumatic past and a shaky future, he is determined to make a difference. But the best of intentions are not enough.

Meanwhile Libby, a creative and intelligent girl in her final year at school, grapples with the obstacles that life places in her path.

Set in Melbourne and brimming with memorable characters whose paths cross in unexpected ways, The Best of Intentions is a sensitive and compelling portrayal of young people at risk and of the well-meaning but often ineffective child protection and mental health professionals charged with their care.

"Highly engaging ... an intelligent and moving novel." Kate Ryan, Writers Victoria