Damaged

Damaged is the true story of the relationship between Jodie and me. Jodie was the most disturbed and abused child I had ever looked after, and her behaviour was so difficult that she has seen off five carers in four months. When she first came into my home it didn’t begin well – she soiled herself, and then wiped it on her face, grinning wickedly. When she met my teenage children: Adrian, Paula and Lucy, she greeted each of them with a sharp kick. Later, when I asked them for their first impressions of Jodie, Adrian looked very guilty when he said that Jodie reminded him of Chucky, the doll from the horror film Child's Play.

But Jodie trusted me and began to 'disclose', revealing details of the horrendous abuse she had suffered from the very people who should have loved and protected her. And although Jodie had been on the child protection register since birth, the Social Services were largely unaware of what had been going on. During the time Jodie was with me I formed a very close relationship with her, and I know from your emails that many of you felt you got to know Jodie from reading Damaged.

UPDATE: January 2008

Many readers have contacted me since the publication of Damaged, sending their best wishes and asking how Jodie is; my heartfelt thanks to you all. Jodie is thirteen now and has made excellent progress, as a result of the care and therapy she has received at High Oaks. She has lost most of her anger, and rarely speaks of her natural family and has no wish to see them.

A week before Christmas I learnt that, because of Jodie’s excellent progress, the social services had made the decision she was well enough to live with a family. It was decided that the family should be in the same area as High Oaks so that Jodie could continue at her school, and maintain friendships. A suitable (foster) family was found, and Jodie’s introduction to them will begin shortly.

All this came as something of a surprise to my family and I, although we are obviously very pleased that Jodie will have a proper family of her own. We shall still keep in touch with Jodie for as long as she wants, however we realise that she will gradually transfer the affection she feels for us (and the staff at High Oaks), to her permanent family. This is how it should be, and I know you will join with me in wishing Jodie all the best as she begins the next stage in her life.

UPDATE: September 2008

Jodie has now settled into her new family and continues to make good progress. We can phone a few times a year and send Christmas and Birthday cards, but no longer visit as it was felt it would be confusing for Jodie to have two families.

UPDATE: August 2009

Jodie is nearly 15. She phoned to say she had just returned from a family holiday in Spain. She was very excited and wanted to tell me all about it. This was her first trip abroad; her first journey on a plane. It shows how much improvement she has made in the seven years since she left me that she was able to go on a plane and enjoy the experience. Well done, love. X

UPDATE: January 2010

My family and I spoke to Jodie on the phone just before Christmas and she was fine. It is difficult to say how much of her time with us she remembers and I don't push her to remember. Our conversation was light and we chatted about Christmas and the presents she hoped to receive. My family and I would love to see her again but the decision rests with her and her carers and it hasn't been suggested. Hopefully, one day.