Jack's story

I started to run away from home when I met some people and they said to me most of the time, "stay out with us", so I did. When I went back home my mum had a right go at me, so I walked out and didn't come back that night.

When I went to school my teachers told me to go home and see my mum because she was worried. So I went home and my mum started to talk to me and she said "I am losing you", then I found out that I was losing my mum and my family, and I got into lots of trouble when I went out with my mates. And one day, me and my dad fell out and I ran away to my mate's house and I stayed there for 11 to 12 weeks. My mum knew I was there and the Police.

Then I went out with my mates to a river one day and I had a phone call from the lady I was living with, and she said "your social worker is here to take you to a children's home" and I then went there. I now realise how much pain I put my family through, and I wish I didn't.

I am now with a new foster carer and I am trying hard to behave and not get into any more trouble. I have also started to rebuild my relationship with my mum and my family.

I have improved in school and am trying hard to turn my life around, and would not recommend hanging around with other 'bad' boys, as you get into trouble easily with them and it could end up ruining your life, like I have found out.