KJIPUKTUK (Halifax) – “Dear Sam, this is the story of how your mom got lost, where I went, who I’ve been, and who I am.”
So starts the story of Heather, a young mother who lives with mental health issues, who, unable to find help, ends up in a forensic hospital after being found ‘Not Criminally Responsible on account of Mental Disorder’ by a court.
Now, one year later, and back in the community, she tries to explain to her son (and herself) what happened, and talks about how she hopes to once again live as a family with her children.
“I am taking tiny steps, trying not to run too fast, toward the person I am becoming, so I am sure to stay on the right path.”
Each year, 850 Canadians are found by a court to be ‘Not Criminally Responsible on account of Mental Disorder’. Almost all will return to the community, with upwards of 90% will never reoffend.
Heather is one of three videos in a series that aims to portray people like Heather, and celebrate their successes. You can find them all here.
The video is written and narrated by Laura Burke, and illustrated, filmed and edited by Steph Young.
See also: Jamie Livingston: Freedom on hold: COVID-19 shines a light on ongoing institutional injustices
With a special thanks to our generous donors who make publication of the Nova Scotia Advocate possible.
With a special thanks to our generous donors who make publication of the Nova Scotia Advocate possible.
