Justine and her brother Aaron (Richie Gudgeon) spent time on the city streets and Justine developed an addiction to drugs. Aaron felt he could not help Justine with her drug habit and ran away to Summer Bay. In 1997, Justine arrives in the Bay to visit Aaron and she tells him she is drug-free and wants to make a fresh start. It soon becomes obvious the story is not true and as Aaron tries to help his sister, she runs away. Justine later returns and is placed in foster care with Pippa Ross (Debra Lawrance). The official "Home and Away" website said "This time Justine really is off drugs but she is still angry with Aaron—and the world in general. Despite her angry facade, this year Justine will show her more vulnerable side."