Charlotte's story

Hi, my name is Charlotte. I'm 15 years old and I have been in care since 2003, but that isn't where it had started, it all began when I was very little. My dad left home when I was three months old. I have three brothers, two of which were in care like me.

My parents weren’t capable of looking after me so I was in and out of care for about 4 years. Two of my brothers came with me and the only thing we used for comfort was each other. We felt very alone. We had some very nasty carers and since I was the youngest I was the one who had to be most protected.
 
I never really thought of being on my own and I knew that no matter what we are always going to be together, but after we went back home one of my brothers moved to live with my dad so there was only two of us left. A year later my other brother also moved in with my dad so there was only me left at home.

In 2003 I moved back into care but I never returned home. For a while I continued to see my mum and dad but by the time I was 13 I didn’t see them at all. At school this sometimes has an effect on me and I can sometimes be very silly and be rude to the teachers even though I don’t intend to. I know that my problems are not the worst problems.

I’m now in year 11 and getting ready for my GCSE exams, and college. I have these two foster carer’s and they are great, they look after me better and they care for my safety and freedom. I also now have two nephews and one niece who I love dearly.