Ruby is thin, almost emaciated. She wears long-sleeved clothes even in hot weather to hide the cut marks on her arms. At 13, she is both feared and looked up to by the other youngsters that hang around her. Ruby's school has tried to accommodate her disruptive behaviour and mood swings, but teachers are worn down by her presence, and she has fallen behind in her education because of truanting and suspensions.
Ruby's home life is also difficult. Her father is in prison, and her mother works all night, leaving Ruby to look after her younger brothers and sisters. Following consultation between teachers, social services and child and adolescent mental health services, it's been decided to seek an education supervision order, with a view to finding a suitable residential placement that will provide a therapeutic education programme for Ruby.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
