KIDS IN CARE
January 2010

‘Hello, Tracey,’ I smiled. ‘I’m Cathy, Wayne’s carer.’

‘Is he staying with you now?' Tracey bellowed. ‘He better be! I ain’t ‘aving ‘im moved again, it’s a bleeding disgrace. Them wankers!’

Kids in Care is the true story of Wayne, who was the last of six siblings to be taken into foster care. I was Wayne’s fourth foster carer in a month, and when he arrived he was aggressive, hyperactive, and out of control. Although only seven years old he had already been excluded from two primary schools! I set about changing his behaviour, and he slowly started to respond. Although it was known that Wayne had been abused while at home, no one was aware of the true level of abuse.

Wayne’s social worker had to compile a report for the court hearing, and he discovered five massive files in five separate council offices relating to Wayne’s family. Eventually I read the report and was deeply shocked, however certain things about Wayne started to make sense and the darkest of family secrets was revealed.