Holding on and Hanging in

A small movement beside me brought me back to the present; I glanced at Wayne, who was sitting hugging his knees, a haunted look on his face. He was clearly petrified ... In that moment I saw Wayne at his most vulnerable. A child who was scared witless, a child who, more than any other I had met in my work with children in care, needed me and the love and security I knew our family could give. We had to make this work. This compelling story tracks Wayne's journey from first being fostered by Lorna at the age of seven, in a therapeutic fostering placement, through nearly five years of family life. Wayne is traumatised by his early experiences of neglect and domestic abuse. Even when surrounded by a team of experienced foster carers, counsellors and therapists, helping him grow and heal will be a long and difficult process. But Lorna and her family are determined not to give up hope... This honest, open and heartfelt account takes us through the highs and lows of Lorna and her family's dedicated perseverance to help Wayne move from despair and anger to health and recovery. Lorna describes her feelings and responses to the events that take place and is often able to portray the humour of situations, alongside the difficulties and frustrations, which present themselves. Readers will gain an understanding of the different parenting styles and techniques that can be used in re-parenting children with attachment difficulties, often illustrated with actual dialogue. Wayne s behaviour is, wherever possible, accompanied by explanations of what might have led to his actions. There is an emphasis on the importance of trying to understand what lies behind a child s behaviour rather than just labelling them as naughty, bad or uncontrollable. Holding On and Hanging In will be of particular relevance to foster carers and also adopters, social workers, therapists and other professionals working in CAMHS