In the beginning – something has changed

Perhaps, it is best to start at the beginning, the ‘before’ times: everything in my life is itemised – the ‘before times’; the ‘during times’; and the ‘since times’. Here is my story, as a big sister, who had lost to an FII investigation and then recovered from foster care, a baby sister.

My life in the before times was wonderful. I was just a kid who liked to play netball, and had a lot of younger siblings that would drive me crazy, but who I loved dearly. We would play outside, running around like hooligans, we played imaginary games, we would swim in the sea. Life was pretty good, I loved my life, I don't think I really knew how good I had it. Then life got harder, my sister became really unwell.

When FII begins it's hardly ever as simple as an accusation being made, a wee investigation being carried out, and a swift collusion and action. From speaking to others who have experienced FII and reflecting on my experiences, it feels like it is often handled poorly, at times unprofessionally and always inhumanely.

As a sibling and child when the life-altering event of an FII allegation occurs, you don't know exactly what's going on. In fact, when most adult events happen, children seldom get the full story. This time, my parents were also in the dark – although we didn't really understand this and often felt worried they were keeping important information secret from us. It is only in hindsight that we can appreciate that none of us were able to predict what would happen.