Micheala’s Story

Micheala came to Greenfields at the age of 14 after 42 placement breakdowns. This young and very vulnerable girl lost her parents and siblings due to various problems her parents faced.

During her three-year stay at Greenfields, Micheala showed a lot of aggression, criminal damage, heartache due to grief and loss she experienced, rejection of Greenfields’ care and nurture, total disregard of the boundaries etc.

However, very slowly she started to enjoy the benefits of being cared for, being accepted and being respected and allowed herself to live with structure and boundaries. With this, her quality of life improved; she took ownership of the home, mentored other young people who were placed at this home and attended education and subsequently, college.

Often she was found studying very late in the evening with the teacher who made a special effort to help her to be accepted at the college.

Eventually Micheala was accepted to a degree course in her chosen subject at the age of 18. Greenfields’ staff set her up in the college residence. We have heard since then that she joined the army, played rugby and now works for the Local Authority who were responsible for her in the past.