Who's Lying on That Old Mattress Outside the Shop?

She's cold and she's vulnerable. Aged about 38 and possibly a heroin user. Yet Leone, for she has a name, was once a laughing little 5 year old, living with her mum. But that was years ago. Since then she's been rescued by social services and the law. You see her mother, Elaine, had a drink problem but unlike so many middleclass mothers who drink, Elaine was on benefits. She had asked for help, but she didn't get it. Instead she was seen as a risk to her daughter.

That was all years ago. Elaine's drinking got worse when Leone was taken from her, and we think her mum died a few years ago. Leone grew up believing that her mother didn't want her enough to stop drinking. That's what her support worker said. She used to see her mum though, but when she returned to the foster home (number five), she'd be so upset that they stopped the visits. Not good for her they said. Anyway, now Leone's nearly dead too.

If we don't campaign for more and better support for parents, and an end to the current system of care, we'll be letting future children down, just like Leone.