CUT
August 2008

When interviewed, I am often asked when and why I began fostering, all those years ago. This is the story of when and why; it is also the true story of Dawn. Dawn was the second child I fostered and nearly became the last. It is set at a time before The Children’s Acts, when there was no training for foster carers, no record keeping, no meetings, no background information on the child, little accountability, and no support. ‘Dump um and run’ seemed to be the philosophy of the social services at the time, and the more disturbed the child was, the faster and quicker the social services ran. Because of all the changes in fostering and social work practice, this story shouldn’t happen now, although doubtless there is a foster carer somewhere who can prove differently.

UPDATE: September 2008

We haven't heard from Dawn since but still hope we might. I could answer the door one day to find her standing there. How wonderful that would be!

'The story of Dawn...whose outward appearance masked a traumatic childhood of suffering...Damaged has sold more than 228,000 copies and there is no reason to think Cut won't repeat its best-selling performance.' The Bookseller 12th May 2008