0:00:34 > 0:00:35Ugh!
0:00:35 > 0:00:37HE SNIFFS
0:00:39 > 0:00:40Ugh... Hah!
0:00:43 > 0:00:45A grown man crying. HE CHUCKLES
0:00:45 > 0:00:47DOOR SLAMS
0:00:47 > 0:00:48Alec?
0:00:50 > 0:00:51DOOR SLAMS UPSTAIRS
0:00:51 > 0:00:53MUSIC PLAYS ON RADIO
0:00:57 > 0:00:59# Don't believe me, just watch
0:01:06 > 0:01:09# Don't believe me, just watch. #
0:01:09 > 0:01:11# Cos the players gonna play play, play, play, play
0:01:11 > 0:01:14# And the haters gonna hate hate, hate, hate, hate... #
0:01:14 > 0:01:15THEY CHUCKLE
0:01:15 > 0:01:18# Baby, I'm just gonna shake shake, shake, shake, shake
0:01:18 > 0:01:20# Shake it off, I shake it off
0:01:20 > 0:01:23# Heart-breakers gonna break break, break, break, break
0:01:23 > 0:01:25# And fakers gonna fake fake, fake, fake, fake
0:01:25 > 0:01:28# Baby, I'm just gonna shake shake, shake... #
0:01:28 > 0:01:29THEY LAUGH
0:01:29 > 0:01:32# Shake it off, I shake it off
0:01:32 > 0:01:34# I never miss a beat... #
0:01:34 > 0:01:35Oh, dear!
0:01:35 > 0:01:37# I'm lightning on my feet
0:01:38 > 0:01:41# And that's what they don't see mm-hm
0:01:41 > 0:01:44# That's what they don't see mm-hm
0:01:44 > 0:01:46- # I'm dancing on my own - Dancing on my own
0:01:46 > 0:01:48# Making moves up as I go... #
0:01:48 > 0:01:50LOUD MUSIC PLAYS
0:01:52 > 0:01:55Alec?
0:01:55 > 0:01:56Go away!
0:01:56 > 0:01:57What's wrong, what's happened?
0:01:57 > 0:01:59What?
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Turn that thing down!
0:02:01 > 0:02:03HE SWITCHES MUSIC OFF
0:02:03 > 0:02:05You didn't come home last night - where were you?
0:02:05 > 0:02:07None of your business.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09Hey, I'm responsible!
0:02:09 > 0:02:11All I ask is that you let me know if you're staying at a friend's,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14- or you're going out late. - Is that it?- Dinner's nearly ready.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16I don't want it yet.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20- We told Jane we'd be at her meeting, remember?- Oh, I'm not going!
0:02:20 > 0:02:22You know I hate letting people down.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24What about me?
0:02:24 > 0:02:26Hey, when have I ever let you down?
0:02:26 > 0:02:28Get out of my way.
0:02:28 > 0:02:29What's got into you?
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- Move!- Not until you tell me...
0:02:31 > 0:02:32Argh!
0:02:35 > 0:02:36Don't you walk away from me!
0:02:39 > 0:02:42Fine then, I'm calling the police!
0:02:42 > 0:02:43FRONT DOOR SLAMS
0:02:45 > 0:02:48Hmm, smells amazing.
0:02:48 > 0:02:49Yeah, almost good enough to eat.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51Dig in.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53You didn't have to do this, you know. We could have got a takeaway.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56It's our first night in together, I wanted it to be special.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58Er, are you two going to...?
0:02:58 > 0:03:01Because I'm not planning on playing gooseberry around here.
0:03:01 > 0:03:02Ignore her.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06Mm, it's, um...sweet.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08Special Vere family chilli. It's tasty, but mild.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10Right.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12I'm not a big fan of spicy food, so...
0:03:12 > 0:03:13Really?
0:03:13 > 0:03:15SHE COUGHS
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- Is...Is it OK?- Yeah, er, yeah. - It's delicious.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23My mouth's burning up!
0:03:23 > 0:03:25You could have warned me!
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Well, we didn't want to be rude!
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Rude?! I'm literally dying here.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32It is a bit hot.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Drink. I need a drink!
0:03:34 > 0:03:35Ugh.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37Oh, dear...
0:03:37 > 0:03:40Ooh, it's like a million needles sticking in my tongue.
0:03:40 > 0:03:41EMMA LAUGHS
0:03:51 > 0:03:54I don't know how this happened! I mean, I'm normally so careful.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57Honestly, last time I had Mexican, I was in the bathroom for days,
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- I couldn't get off the toilet. - Mmm. Great housemate(!)
0:04:01 > 0:04:03I've lost my appetite suddenly.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08I had vomit on my shoes before 8:30,
0:04:08 > 0:04:10and I've dodged a punch by lunch.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Hold up everyone, we've got a poet in the nick. Try not to panic.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15You won't be laughing when Jack Caister's solicitor turns up.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17Ah, he's a bit of a hunk from what I remember.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19Well, I'll leave him in your capable hands,
0:04:19 > 0:04:21while I have a night in front of the telly.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23That as far as your imagination stretches, "Poet Hollins"?
0:04:23 > 0:04:25No, cold beer and Belgian choccies.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27Hmm, you're getting closer. Jimmi?
0:04:27 > 0:04:29Um... I'd take the beer.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31Spoken like a true medical professional.
0:04:31 > 0:04:32Seriously though, old man,
0:04:32 > 0:04:35you're practically at the pipe and slippers stage.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37You're just jealous because you've got a whole night shift
0:04:37 > 0:04:39stretching in front of you. PHONE RINGS
0:04:39 > 0:04:41Hi, love. No, I'm on my way now.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44Tonight?
0:04:44 > 0:04:46No - no, I hadn't forgotten.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49Does it have to be tonight? Can't it be some other time?
0:04:49 > 0:04:51I've had a pig of a day.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54No, no, that's fine, that's fine. See you, bye.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- Cosy night off the cards then, is it?- Don't! Ta-ra.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00This our suspected assault?
0:05:00 > 0:05:02How old are you, sunshine?
0:05:02 > 0:05:0317.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05OK, book him in.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07- OK. Full name, please? - Alec Casey.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10MOBILE PHONE RINGS
0:05:10 > 0:05:12Um, eyes this way, please.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18Um, I should probably take a look at that.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26Right, tin of tomatoes going in, OK?
0:05:26 > 0:05:28Agreed.
0:05:28 > 0:05:29Needs a good stir.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34Come on, are you a man or a muppet? Give it here.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- Well?- Mm-mm.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46OK, maybe some lemon or some lime? Maybe sugar's better.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48Just do it, whatever!
0:05:48 > 0:05:51Oh, Sid, a few drops of lemon juice isn't going to do anything, is it?
0:05:51 > 0:05:52Well... Oh...!
0:06:04 > 0:06:05SHE GASPS
0:06:05 > 0:06:08No, still hotter than Zac Efron in the buff.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- LAUGHING:- Zac Efron?!- Too right.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12Look, I've got some leftovers in the fridge.
0:06:12 > 0:06:13Why don't I make us something nice?
0:06:13 > 0:06:15No, it's my mess, I'll sort it out.
0:06:15 > 0:06:16It's fine, really.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Looks nasty.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25Yeah. Hit a wall.
0:06:27 > 0:06:28Tough night?
0:06:29 > 0:06:31Hellish.
0:06:32 > 0:06:33Chicken nuggets?
0:06:33 > 0:06:34Goujons.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Whatever. Why?
0:06:37 > 0:06:38Because you both like them.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40You said this stuff clogs up your arteries
0:06:40 > 0:06:42and gives you heart attacks.
0:06:42 > 0:06:43Yeah - in excessive amounts.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46And then you went on about diabetes.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Look, as an occasional treat, they're fine.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52Mum, what do you want?
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Wha...? Is it a crime just to have a nice meal
0:06:55 > 0:06:56and spend the evening together?
0:07:00 > 0:07:02I'm going to ask you some questions
0:07:02 > 0:07:06and the answers you give will form your witness statement, OK?
0:07:06 > 0:07:07Shall we start?
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Can you tell me what led up to the assault?
0:07:12 > 0:07:15Just a stupid argument.
0:07:15 > 0:07:16About what?
0:07:18 > 0:07:20Nothing in particular.
0:07:20 > 0:07:21Right.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25He seemed... He seemed upset.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Tell me more.
0:07:30 > 0:07:31Had something happened?
0:07:31 > 0:07:33No. Well...
0:07:33 > 0:07:35I don't know.
0:07:35 > 0:07:36But you must have some idea?
0:07:36 > 0:07:38You're his foster carer. You have a duty of care.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43He's 17. You get grunts at that age, yeah? Not conversation.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Well, something must have provoked the attack.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51You've been Alec's foster carer for how long now?
0:07:53 > 0:07:55Three months.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58And how would you describe your relationship?
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Few ups and down, but he's OK.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03He's a good kid!
0:08:03 > 0:08:05A kid who punched you?
0:08:09 > 0:08:12So, how's school?
0:08:12 > 0:08:13It's fine.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Did you finish your science homework?
0:08:15 > 0:08:16- I'll do it tonight.- Right.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- Er, revision? - Same as yesterday.- Right.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24You know, me and Heston, we've been getting on really well recently.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26- Really?- What, you don't think so?
0:08:26 > 0:08:29I don't know, Mum, it's your thing.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31You know I've always believed
0:08:31 > 0:08:33in being really open and honest with you guys...
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- Can we have ice cream for pudding? - Yeah.- Great.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44For the benefit of the tape,
0:08:44 > 0:08:47in the absence of Alec's regular social worker, Jane Fairweather,
0:08:47 > 0:08:50I'm here with James Becker, the on-call social worker.
0:08:52 > 0:08:53OK.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56Can you tell me what happened tonight, Alec?
0:08:57 > 0:08:59No comment.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02Your foster carer Mick said you seemed upset?
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Not really.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Well, you don't just punch someone for no reason.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09If something caused you to lash out...
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Look, I can't help if you won't speak to me.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14I don't want your help.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Alec, you look in pain, are you injured?
0:09:18 > 0:09:20It's nothing.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22For the tape, I'm stopping the interview
0:09:22 > 0:09:23so that Alec can see the FME.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25Leave it, will you?!
0:09:25 > 0:09:27I need to ensure you're fit to carry on.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39This is going to be a complete waste of time.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41- We're not even going to be in the running.- Why?
0:09:41 > 0:09:43Who are you trying to kid? Have a look.
0:09:43 > 0:09:44We're too old, for one.
0:09:46 > 0:09:52Hello! Hi. I'm Karen and this is Rob, my husband, a little bit shy.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56Sorry! Sorry, we're a bit late. Hi!
0:09:56 > 0:09:59Hello, I'm Jane Fairweather and this is my colleague, Joanne.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01Hi, Jane.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Right, so the purpose of this evening
0:10:03 > 0:10:06is to see whether you want to pursue foster caring -
0:10:06 > 0:10:07and to help you decide,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09I've invited along one of my most experienced carers
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- and his foster child to speak to us. - Oh, great.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Good, yeah. Hopefully you've had a chance to meet
0:10:15 > 0:10:18and say hello to each other, make friends? Yes?
0:10:18 > 0:10:20OK, shall we go on through, then?
0:10:20 > 0:10:23Oh, sorry! Bit eager.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32Would you just lift your shirt for me?
0:10:32 > 0:10:33What if I say no?
0:10:35 > 0:10:39Look, you're obviously in some pain, so just let me do my job. Please.
0:10:39 > 0:10:40What do you need those for?
0:10:46 > 0:10:47Hmm. That looks sore.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51It looks pretty recent. How did you get this?
0:10:51 > 0:10:53ALEC INHALES SHARPLY
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Look, if there's anything that you want to tell me in confidence...?
0:10:58 > 0:11:00You done?
0:11:00 > 0:11:01Yep.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14So, what I'm trying to say is, my relationship with Heston
0:11:14 > 0:11:17has progressed and we're ready to move to the next stage.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19La, la, la, la...
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- Alia, I'm trying to talk to you. - ..la, la, la, la,
0:11:21 > 0:11:22la, la, la, la, la...
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Look, are we moving in with Heston, or not?
0:11:25 > 0:11:27Well, we've discussed it.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29We're not going to make any sort of decision without
0:11:29 > 0:11:31talking to you first, you know, see how you...
0:11:31 > 0:11:34Mum, it's fine.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Really?
0:11:36 > 0:11:37We saw this coming a mile off.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42We had a chat about him. Heston's nice -
0:11:42 > 0:11:45and he can help me with my science coursework.
0:11:46 > 0:11:47Shak?
0:11:47 > 0:11:50Anything so you can cut us some slack.
0:11:50 > 0:11:51What is that supposed to mean?
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Come on, Mum.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55You've been way more chilled out since you've been with him.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57Are you saying that I was uptight?
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Heston's loaded. His house is well nice.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Yeah, this place is OK.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06My bedroom's tiny!
0:12:06 > 0:12:08And the walk to school will be much quicker.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13You two have really thought about this, haven't you?
0:12:13 > 0:12:14It'd be easy to have friends round.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18Plus, he's got this super hub. His Wi-Fi's loads better.
0:12:20 > 0:12:21And you really like him.
0:12:29 > 0:12:30How recent?
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Mmm...I couldn't really say with any degree of confidence.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35You know, Mick's knuckles were bleeding before.
0:12:35 > 0:12:36Yeah, he told me he hit a wall.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38And you believe him?
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Come on, Jimmi. We've got a foster carer who calls the police
0:12:40 > 0:12:42and then can't explain what happened.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44There could be any number of reasons.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48A kid who supposedly lashes out without provocation?
0:12:48 > 0:12:49Let's not jump to conclusions.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53Next you're going to be telling me that Mick "doesn't seem the type"!
0:12:54 > 0:12:58OK, why don't we start by going round the group
0:12:58 > 0:13:00and introducing ourselves.
0:13:00 > 0:13:01Maybe you could say a little bit
0:13:01 > 0:13:04about why you're interested in fostering.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10Come on, someone must be brave enough to take the plunge.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14Great. Thank you.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Hi, I'm Karen, as I said before.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20Rob and I have got two grown-up children.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22Rob's a wonderful husband.
0:13:22 > 0:13:23That's the first I've heard of it!
0:13:23 > 0:13:26And I hope that if you ask the kids,
0:13:26 > 0:13:29they would say we've done a pretty good job.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Probably not when they were teenagers!
0:13:31 > 0:13:33So, I'm a medical receptionist
0:13:33 > 0:13:36and I come into contact with a lot of people
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- and I hope that I make a difference. - I'm sure you do.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43Well, obviously not like the doctors and nurses
0:13:43 > 0:13:45cos they do an incredible job -
0:13:45 > 0:13:49but it got me thinking, "There are so many needy kids out there
0:13:49 > 0:13:52"and if Rob and I could help just one of them..."
0:13:56 > 0:13:58What happened in the house Alec?
0:13:58 > 0:13:59No comment.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01Do you know how Mick hurt his hand?
0:14:01 > 0:14:03- No comment. - Tell me how you got the bruise?
0:14:03 > 0:14:05No comment.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09You realise that even if you refuse to talk to us,
0:14:09 > 0:14:12social services will carry out their own extensive investigation.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- What?!- To determine if Mick is able to continue as a foster carer.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16How do you mean? What about me?
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Well, we'll liaise with Jane Fairweather
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- and sort out a respite carer for you.- No!
0:14:20 > 0:14:22Look, I realise this is upsetting.
0:14:22 > 0:14:23You don't understand!
0:14:23 > 0:14:25Sit down.
0:14:25 > 0:14:26Leave me alone!
0:14:26 > 0:14:28CHAIR LEGS SCRAPE
0:14:30 > 0:14:34OK, nice deep breaths, OK? Just breathe in slowly for me.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Out. In again, slowly.
0:14:37 > 0:14:38Out.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Is it getting better?
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Wouldn't it help, if you told them what happened?
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Help? Who's it going to help?
0:14:50 > 0:14:53Look, I understand you've got some loyalty towards Mick.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56He never laid a finger on me.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- Right.- Listen to me, it wasn't Mick. He didn't hit me.
0:15:01 > 0:15:02OK, so who did?
0:15:04 > 0:15:05Someone else.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Well, then you should tell the police.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16If you still want to go ahead after tonight,
0:15:16 > 0:15:19the next stage is a home visit,
0:15:19 > 0:15:22where we carry out something called a Fostering Initial Interview.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24It lasts a couple of hours,
0:15:24 > 0:15:27and it's really just a chance for us to learn a bit more about you
0:15:27 > 0:15:29as a potential carer.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Of course, that's just the beginning of the process.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33The beginning?
0:15:33 > 0:15:37Yeah, we'll also be looking into key relationships in your life -
0:15:37 > 0:15:38so, how you were parented,
0:15:38 > 0:15:41we'll speak to your children if you have them,
0:15:41 > 0:15:45and we'll also talk to any significant ex-partners.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47Wow, warts and all.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49SHE LAUGHS Exactly.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52We'll look at your employment records and finances,
0:15:52 > 0:15:54and then there's the medical.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56Initially, you'll just go and see your GP,
0:15:56 > 0:15:58they'll look over your medical records
0:15:58 > 0:15:59and see if there's anything
0:15:59 > 0:16:02that they think needs to be further looked into
0:16:02 > 0:16:04or needs input from other medical professionals.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09It is a big process, you know, it's pretty in-depth
0:16:09 > 0:16:12but if you're completely honest with us, you'll be absolutely fine.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17OK, why don't we take a short break
0:16:17 > 0:16:18and I'll go and see if I can find out
0:16:18 > 0:16:20why our speakers have been delayed?
0:16:34 > 0:16:37You should go home. There's nothing you can do tonight.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- And Alec?- Well, we've spoken to him and he's confirmed that the bruises
0:16:40 > 0:16:42were nothing to do with the incident.
0:16:42 > 0:16:43Did he say who did it?
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Not yet, but social services will look into it further.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49So...he's not coming home?
0:16:49 > 0:16:51They'll be in touch, let you know what's happening.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55MOBILE PHONE RINGS
0:16:58 > 0:16:59Jane, hi.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04I'm sorry, we're not going to be able to make the meeting tonight.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06No, I...
0:17:06 > 0:17:08I-I can't explain now.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11I'm really, really sorry.
0:17:15 > 0:17:16Alec!
0:17:20 > 0:17:21You OK?
0:17:21 > 0:17:23It's such a mess.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25We were supposed to be giving this talk tonight,
0:17:25 > 0:17:28to people who wanted to become foster carers.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30It's almost funny, when you think about it.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Well, they must respect you a lot to ask you to talk.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35How long have you been doing it?
0:17:35 > 0:17:37Nigh on ten years.
0:17:38 > 0:17:39I think you should go.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42No. No, not after tonight.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Where's the meeting?
0:17:44 > 0:17:45Town Hall.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49But I haven't got my car. I didn't even have time to grab my wallet.
0:17:49 > 0:17:54Well, I'm going home, so I could give you a lift there.
0:17:54 > 0:17:55Come on.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04MOBILE PHONE RINGS
0:18:07 > 0:18:08Hello.
0:18:09 > 0:18:10Just going to the loo.
0:18:12 > 0:18:13Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- Well, you're here now.- Jimmi?
0:18:17 > 0:18:18I just gave Mick a lift.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20He's one of the speakers tonight.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Ah, well, you're just in time, because they were about to wrap up.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26It's this way. Come on.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29Well, it's been really lovely to meet you all.
0:18:29 > 0:18:30Thank you so much for coming.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Mick! I thought you couldn't come?
0:18:34 > 0:18:36Long story.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39Oh, OK. Well, everyone, this is Mick,
0:18:39 > 0:18:42one of my experienced foster carers
0:18:42 > 0:18:44and, erm...you are?
0:18:44 > 0:18:45Jimmi Clay, just a friend.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49OK. Well, Mick, if you're sure you're OK,
0:18:49 > 0:18:52do you want to tell the group a bit about why you got into fostering?
0:18:55 > 0:18:59I brought my two sons up the last few years on my own after...
0:18:59 > 0:19:01after my had wife died.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04It was tough.
0:19:04 > 0:19:05You'd have thought that I'd had enough
0:19:05 > 0:19:08but when they left, the place felt empty.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11I'd this...hole in my life.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15I started taking in kids, did OK for a while.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Thought I was sending them out into the world a bit more secure,
0:19:18 > 0:19:20you know, better people.
0:19:20 > 0:19:21But tonight I let someone down.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24I failed him, the lad in my care.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27I'm a grown man - I should have been able to deal with it
0:19:27 > 0:19:29but instead I called the police.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31Mick...
0:19:31 > 0:19:34The boy's been through a really tough time.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36You know, it's no wonder he gets it wrong sometimes,
0:19:36 > 0:19:38lashes out at the wrong person.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41But do you know what? He's a good kid.
0:19:41 > 0:19:42He needed my help.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46It's not your fault I hit you.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- Alec?- I couldn't say before.
0:19:50 > 0:19:51Last night I went to see Dad.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57I tried talking to him but he was out of it, like he always is.
0:19:57 > 0:19:58Barely even recognised us.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00You should have told me.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03I said I wasn't there for anything,
0:20:03 > 0:20:05didn't want money, nothing like that.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07But he wasn't getting it.
0:20:07 > 0:20:08He lost it.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14When I got to yours, I just had to lash out at someone.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18OK, let's take this somewhere else. Come on, let's go.
0:20:18 > 0:20:19Excuse us.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- Thanks for this.- You're welcome.
0:20:37 > 0:20:38KETCHUP SPURTS
0:20:38 > 0:20:39What?
0:20:39 > 0:20:40Nothing.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43Right, well - eat, drink and be merry.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45- Cheers.- Cheers.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Mmm. How are you settling in?
0:20:51 > 0:20:54Yeah, great. No complaints at all.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58You don't find it odd, living with two women?
0:20:58 > 0:21:01No. Why would I?
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Well, I don't know...
0:21:03 > 0:21:06It's just, well, there are differences, I suppose.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08Yeah, I suppose.
0:21:08 > 0:21:13What she's trying to say is, don't leave the toilet seat up.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16Oh. Yeah, I'll try and remember.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Actually, while we're on the subject -
0:21:19 > 0:21:21all those pants and bras on the radiator...
0:21:21 > 0:21:24I mean, it does make me feel just a little bit uncomfortable.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26Of course, I'll move them.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28Would you mind making some space in the bathroom for me?
0:21:28 > 0:21:31Just a little space on the cabinet will be fine.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35I have to say, I've never met anyone with as many bottles as you.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39Er, pipe down, Little Miss Secret Trump In The Living Room.
0:21:39 > 0:21:40I do not!
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- Ladies.- She ain't no lady! - Yeah, and neither is she.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45THEY LAUGH
0:21:45 > 0:21:49Speaking of which, I will miss our girlie pamper sessions.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51I'm not stopping you.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Yes, and if Jimmi Clay can don a face pack and a dressing gown.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58Exactly. And you seem to have forgotten my killer massages.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- Mmm. I'll look forward to those. - Oh, yes.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08I should've handled it. It's not like it was any surprise.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11Alec's father is an alcoholic.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13That's no excuse.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16He pretty much kept it together, then...Mum died.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18And he couldn't handle it?
0:22:18 > 0:22:22He'd be fine for a while and then he'd start again.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25I'd come back from school to find the door bolted.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27He wouldn't let us in.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29How long would he leave you outside?
0:22:29 > 0:22:32All night sometimes.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34So why did you go there?
0:22:34 > 0:22:35Was it something I did?
0:22:38 > 0:22:41I'm going to be 18 soon. I won't have anywhere.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Sorry, why is that?
0:22:45 > 0:22:48I thought you can't stay past then.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50No, there's potentially money available for foster children
0:22:50 > 0:22:54to remain with their carers beyond 18 if they want to.
0:22:54 > 0:22:55I thought I'd have nowhere.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Shouldn't someone have told Alec that?
0:22:58 > 0:23:00Yes, they should - and it's no excuse,
0:23:00 > 0:23:02but there's lots of things we should be doing,
0:23:02 > 0:23:04there just isn't the time or the resources.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07And the money, it isn't some catch-all, you know?
0:23:07 > 0:23:09It depends on Mick and his circumstances.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11But you'd take me back?
0:23:11 > 0:23:12You know I'd love to.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15He's the only person who's ever bothered about me -
0:23:15 > 0:23:17where I've been, even stupid stuff like making my tea.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19- Even when I've hurt you in the past...- Alec...
0:23:19 > 0:23:21They should know what you've had to put up with.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24Mick, you're supposed to keep a log, inform us of any incidents.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26I think he was just trying to protect him.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29Yeah. I knew he was having a hard time.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34Please. I want to start again, like we were.
0:23:36 > 0:23:37I'm afraid it's not that simple.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42There are things you could do though, I mean, you could try.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46I can't make any promises.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49I just want to come back!
0:23:49 > 0:23:51All right, look, I'll make some phone calls,
0:23:51 > 0:23:55I'll speak to my head of department and we'll decide what's best.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58It's likely you're going to have to go somewhere else temporarily.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03It's all gone quiet.
0:24:03 > 0:24:04Karen, leave them be.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06A big lad like that, hitting his carer.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09- We don't know all the circumstances. - No, but...
0:24:10 > 0:24:11You look awful.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13- Thanks.- What's happened?
0:24:13 > 0:24:15Er, it's hopeful.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18After what he did?
0:24:18 > 0:24:20Karen, that was good news. Come on.
0:24:26 > 0:24:27Do you need a lift?
0:24:28 > 0:24:32No. Thanks, you've done enough.
0:24:32 > 0:24:33Sure you're going to be OK?
0:24:33 > 0:24:35I've got to get back and clean up.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38I was in the middle of making dinner, chopping onions.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42Crying once in a day at my age is OK
0:24:42 > 0:24:46but twice - bang out of order.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48MUSIC: Turning Tables by Adele
0:24:48 > 0:24:52# Turning tables
0:24:52 > 0:24:59# Turning tables
0:24:59 > 0:25:02# Next time I'll be braver
0:25:02 > 0:25:05# I'll be my own saviour
0:25:05 > 0:25:11# When the thunder calls for me
0:25:11 > 0:25:15# Next time I'll be braver
0:25:15 > 0:25:18# I'll be my own saviour
0:25:18 > 0:25:22# Standing on my own two feet. #
0:25:24 > 0:25:28Well, that certainly highlighted the challenges.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31Do you know, I had this image in my head
0:25:31 > 0:25:34of little girls like Scarlett and Mia -
0:25:34 > 0:25:37not a great big strapping lad like Alec.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39They still need help, probably more.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41- Damaged kids.- I did tell you that.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47Does the idea of living with a violent, soon-to-be-man,
0:25:47 > 0:25:49not scare you?
0:25:49 > 0:25:53- In some ways.- It should be about making them feel cared for.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56- But this lad, I mean... - He's more challenging, yeah.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58Go to give him a hug and you end up in hospital!
0:25:58 > 0:26:00That's a bit harsh.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Aren't you inspired by the way this has turned out?
0:26:05 > 0:26:08I don't think I can go through with this.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11And I want to know more.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Good morning, Miss Pitman.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27So, how is everything?
0:26:27 > 0:26:30No, no, no, this is Rob, he's my husband.
0:26:30 > 0:26:31He just wants to have a word with you.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33- I've only come about my feet. - I know.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35- She won't go into hospital.- Why not?
0:26:35 > 0:26:38Because she's absolutely terrified someone's going to take the baby
0:26:38 > 0:26:39as soon as it's born.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41And how do you know where his boss lives?
0:26:41 > 0:26:43Because I saw his camper van.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Tell me you didn't go inside?