Mirabel is currently working closely with hundreds of children from a wide range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. The children are all 0-17 years of age and live with their kinship carers throughout Victoria and New South Wales. The kinship carers are usually grandparents but also include aunts and uncles. Most Mirabel families experience financial hardship and the frustration of trying to navigate government services, while at the same time dealing with the grief and trauma of losing a loved one to drugs.
Sarah was seven years old when she found her Mum unconscious from a heroin overdose. She phoned for an ambulance, checked that her four-year old twin brothers were still sleeping and rang her grandmother. Sarah then held her Mum in her arms until the paramedics arrived, pleading for her to wake up.
Sarah was inconsolable and felt it was her fault. Sarah's grandmother, devastated at the death of her daughter, held on to Sarah tightly as the stretcher was carried into the ambulance.
When her brothers woke up crying for their Mum, Sarah told them everything was fine and they would always stay together. She put on their slippers, bundled some of their favourite toys in a bag and said they were going to Nan and Pa's. They have lived there ever since.
To separate these siblings or place them outside the family was out of the question. Sarah's grandparents, unprepared for the sudden responsibility of young children, were forced to postpone their retirement.
Although nothing can erase the sad and traumatic memories, with Mirabel's help Sarah and her family have coped with the overwhelming changes in their lives.
Sarah is now eleven and has a restored sense of family and belonging.
Sarah used to cry herself to sleep. Now she dreams of becoming a fashion designer. 
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Maria and Frank have been caring for their 4 grandchildren since their daughter died 3 years ago. Maria describes her life as “very difficult” and says that she worries about the future of the children. Maria and Frank have already celebrated their 80th birthday and their grandchildren are aged between 9 and 3. Prior to the establishment of the Mirabel House program, Maria and Frank had never had a break from their grandchildren.
On the first two occasions that the family received respite, Maria came to the house with the 4 children and rested while the children were cared for and entertained by Mirabel staff. Maria described the house as “paradise” and said that she had never felt so “happy and relaxed”. Once Maria and the children felt comfortable with Mirabel House and the respite program, Maria and Frank spent time together at home while the children had an “adventure” at Mirabel House. Maria, Frank and the children benefited from regular respite until the task of parenting small children became too difficult for Maria and Frank and it was agreed that 2 of the children would live with their aunt and uncle. Since their separation, the 4 children display a great sense of loss for one other. Mirabel House has become a safe and happy environment where the children spend time together while both sets of carers have a much-needed break. top
Mia is 15 and has participated in the Mirabel Recreation Program over the past two years. She lives with her grandmother and her sick and dependent grandfather. Mia is excelling at school but feels alone and isolated from her peers. Mia is unable to have friends come to visit due to her grandfather’s ill health and because her grandmother needs her help to care for her grandfather. Mia can not pursue any extra-curricula activities because her grandmother does not drive and is reluctant to let Mia catch public transport on her own. Prior to participating in Mirabel’s Recreation Program, Mia had never met anyone who lived with their grandparents or had similar experiences as herself. At a recent camp Mia laughed and joked with the many friends she has made and then spoke for the first time of her hurtful past and her feelings towards her parents. Mia maintains regular phone and internet contact with friends she has made at Mirabel and looks forward to seeing them at each outing and camp. top
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. top