A moving new Channel 4 documentary, Kids gives unprecedented access to teenagers and their families in the care system in the UK and in the first episode, viewers are shown the story of Xorin. The Midlands teen was moved to a care home in south Wales after it became too dangerous for him to remain living in Coventry.
Kids gives the documentary makers unprecedented access to teenagers and their families in the care system, and airs as the number of young people in care is set to reach a record 100 000 in the next decade, with increased pressure on the system and staff.
The documentary shows that when Xorin was 14 he was being exploited by a gang, a fact he struggled to accept at the start of the show, and was used to sell drugs. He was also not being looked after well by his mother Kelly and fearing for his life as part of the gang, Xorin was moved to a care home in south Wales.
Xorin was partly moved to Wales due to worries about Kelly's mental health and fears she may be violent towards him after Kelly slapped Xorin during an argument. He was also moved to Wales as part of "crisis intervention" due to his involvement with gangs as well.
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Speaking about the slap a very emotional Kelly said: "I made sure I went and told everybody because I knew what would happen. But I thought they'd help me with restbite, they then took me to court and took my kids off me for emotional abuse. We were struggling. We still loved each other, we still were there for each other but I was struggling."
In the documentary Xorin seems to be enjoying his time in Wales. Comparing it to his hometown, the now 17-year-old said: "It's like a long-term vacation. I like it. I like my peace, can you hear the wind? It's beautiful. There is a lot to like around here." Xorin said he would probably be in jail "or even dead" if he had stayed in Coventry.
At first Xorin struggled to return to life in Coventry and refused to leave his room, playing video games all day. After support from his mum, including Kelly giving Xorin an honest chat where she told him she was there for him, no matter what, Xorin began to adjust to his new life.
Speaking at the end of the documentary, Xorin looking at a picture of his younger self, said: "He looks dead inside. You can see where he's not thought about how his future's planning out, he looks more like he knows life is going downhill but he don't realise it's going to get better."
The show hears from foster carers, social workers, service managers and children’s home staff Kids lays bare the high-stakes decision making in trying to protect young people, and meets the parents who’ve had their children forcibly removed. Kids airs on Channel 4 on Wednesday, May 10 at 9pm, the entire series is available to stream on All4 after the first episode airs. You can keep up to date with the latest TV and showbiz news by signing up to the newsletter here.
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