Tension rises in Home and Away this week as newcomer David, a well-meaning but emotionally reserved foster care worker, finds himself at the heart of a deeply complicated case that threatens to unravel his composure and his commitment to the Bay.

A Troubled Teen Arrives in the Bay

David is called into action when Ava, a 15-year-old runaway with a history of trauma and aggressive behavior, is placed into temporary care in Summer Bay. From the moment they meet, it’s clear Ava doesn’t trust anyone — least of all another adult assigned to “fix” her. She’s hostile, guarded, and determined to push every boundary.

Despite Ava’s resistance, David makes it clear he’s not going anywhere. However, as he digs deeper into her past, he discovers harrowing details about neglect and abandonment that stir up painful memories from his own childhood — secrets David has tried to keep buried.

A Personal Connection Shakes David

As the story progresses, Irene notices David acting strangely withdrawn and encourages him to open up. In a rare moment of vulnerability, David confesses that Ava reminds him of his younger sister, who was lost in the system years ago. The unresolved guilt begins to cloud his professional judgment, especially when Ava disappears after a confrontation with another resident.

The entire Bay mobilizes to search for Ava, with Justin, Felicity, and Cash joining David in the frantic hunt. When they find her hiding in an abandoned surf shack, David breaks down, begging her to trust someone — just once. This raw moment leads to a breakthrough, but also causes David to consider whether he’s too emotionally involved to continue.

Support from the Community

Back at the Diner, Leah and Alf rally behind David, urging him not to give up. They point out that his compassion, not his pain, is what makes him a great advocate for kids like Ava. With their support, David recommits to helping Ava — not as a savior, but as someone who understands what it’s like to feel lost.

What’s Next?

Next week, expect tensions to rise again as Ava’s biological father unexpectedly shows up in the Bay, throwing a wrench into David’s progress. Could Ava be torn away from the only place she’s ever started to feel safe?

Don’t miss a moment of this emotional and thought-provoking storyline as David faces his past and fights for a young girl’s future in Summer Bay.