I’m 12 and I’ve been in care since I was five or six. The reason is simple - my parents hit me. When I first came into care I didn’t really understand why, but over the years I’ve begun to understand a bit more. Ok, it’s not easy, but it does get easier - it doesn’t always seem like it, but it does. It’s hard being away from the people you care about but your foster parents are there to give you a better life. You don’t always agree with them but then that’s when you have to stand up and say something. That’s not always easy but you can always tell a teacher at school or just someone you really trust.

When you’re in care you will have mixed emotions, but that’s just normal - everybody gets mixed emotions. I’ve been in care now for six or seven years and I see my mum once every two weeks and my dad once a month.  It’s really hard not seeing them every day but with the help of my friends I survive, and I will do for the rest of my time in care.

Mel*, 12, from East Sussex

* Names have been changed in this story

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