“I just want a normal life”

Jack was eleven years old when he came home from school to discover his Dad unconscious from a heroin overdose. Jack tried to revive him and then phoned an ambulance. It was too late. Two weeks later, Jack awoke to discover his mother lying on the floor. She had also died from an overdose. Jack made up a bottle for his baby brother, found food for his other younger brother and sister and took them all into another room so they would not have to see their mum. He cared for them until a neighbour happened to find them 18 hours later. Jack is now 14. He and his siblings live with their elderly grandparents. Because the grandparents are blood relatives they are not eligible for the same support as foster families. With the help of Mirabel, they have got through the past three difficult years. Jack’s brother was so traumatised he suffered speech delay but with therapy is improving daily. His sister has been receiving counselling and no longer wets the bed. The baby who was suffering from malnutrition is now thriving. Jack’s grandparents attend Mirabel’s support groups regularly and now have a network of friends in similar circumstances. Jack used to talk about quitting school. Today he says he’d like to become a vet.