News
Robin's Story
Tuesday 10 March 2009
Robin had a very difficult start to life. He was born to parents both of whom misused drugs.
His mother and father became estranged when he was still a baby, and as a result Robin lost all contact with his father's family. Although his mother cared for him very much, she was not able to look after him because of her drug use, so Robin went into foster care.
It was hoped that his mother could be helped so she could look after him again. Sadly she died because of her substance misuse a few months after Robin was taken into foster care - he was only three. CHILDREN 1ST was contacted to look into whether there was some way he could be cared for by his own family rather than being permanently fostered or adopted.
After a lot of preparation work, CHILDREN 1ST arranged for members of his extended family to meet together. With our support, the family was able to come to a unanimous decision that a maternal aunt and uncle would care for Robin, and that relationships would be re-established with his father's family.
When our work with Robin was coming to an end, he told our worker that he was happy.
"I have got a really big family now," he said.
Robin is currently doing very well and has been permanently adopted by his aunt and uncle.
Across Scotland, CHILDREN 1ST runs 12 family group conference services which give vulnerable children the chance to be cared for by their wider family.
Spring is a time for new beginnings, and thanks to your support we can give children like Robin a bright new future to look forward to with the people they love.
Please give a gift to vulnerable children this spring by making a donation to CHILDREN 1ST.
Last updated: Monday 27 April 2009
