Meet Some Children
Below are some case studies. The cases are fictional, but
represent accurately the types of children who need our care and
some of the experiences they may have had. The photographs
are posed by models.
Ruth
Ruth is 14. She spent her first seven years with her
parents Vicky and Phillip. She remembers this time as "ok"
although her parents argued a lot.
When she was seven her parents had a violent fight and her
father left. Ruth and Vicky moved away. They lived in a
bed-sit and money was tight. Ruth had no contact with her
father.
When Ruth was 13 she began drinking heavily with her
friends. She also began to experiment with drugs.
Finally, when her mother found out that Ruth was also sleeping with
older men, Ruth was put into a residential home. While in the
home, Ruth admitted that she had been sleeping with men in exchange
for money.
Ruth is now placed with Silvia, an experienced
foster carer. Ruth has regular contact with her mother and is keen
to establish contact with her father. Sylvia is helping Ruth
catch up with the education she has missed and is also encouraging
Ruth to have a higher self esteem. Ruth is thriving and is
becoming a happier young woman.
Jack
Jack is seven and has been fostered by
Sue and John for the past three years. He has two older
brothers, Trevor 16 and Damian 13, who are also in foster care but
placed in different homes to him. Jack came into care after his
nursery school reported bruising to his legs. A subsequent
medical examination concluded that Jack had been sexually
abused. He no longer has any contact with either of his
parents.
Jack is a withdrawn and timid boy. He
often has nightmares and still wets the bed. His behaviour and
lack of concentration at school are a worry. His foster
carers are working very closely with the school and are also
receiving support from Jack’s psychologist. They recognise
that Jack’s progress is slow but are taking it day by day.
Yvonne, Nelson and Alice
Yvonne 15, Nelson nine and Alice six are
siblings. They are of white Welsh and African Caribbean
heritage. The family is Christian and attend church
regularly. Their mother Melanie has brought up all three
children on her own. There is irregular contact with their
father.
Melanie has mental health problems and last
night tried to commit suicide. She is now in hospital after
Nelson found her and told a neighbour. Late last night the
children were placed with Mary, a single foster carer with a son
Craig 12. The three children are very tired, scared and want
to go back home as quickly as possible.