Protecting Our Foster Kids, TV review: Heartbreaking to watch

There is an 8,000 family shortfall in foster placements across Britain, yet no one could accuse this doc of casting the experience in a misleadingly appealing light

A link between income and children’s diet, healthcare, lack of access to good schools and play areas, and even exposure to polluted areas may lie behind the connection (Getty)

We were reminded of another British classic, Lean’s Oliver Twist, by the plight of 14-year-old Amy in Protecting Our Foster Kids.

This follow-up to Protecting Our Children, 2012’s controversial three-part documentary on Bristol social workers focussed on Amy, a sparky, pretty redhead who’d already been through three foster placements in as many years. So when she arrived to live with easy-going Steph and Chris, hopes were high that this will finally be her home for good.

It was heartbreaking to watch this placement breakdown, especially because the pain of being rejected by yet another set of supposedly dependable adults told in Amy’s bright blue eyes – despite her efforts to make light of it.

There is currently an 8,000 family shortfall in foster placements across Britain, yet no one could accuse this doc of casting the experience in a misleadingly appealing light. “I can’t just knit foster carers,” said an exasperated social worker at one point. “I wish I could. I’d have calluses from knitting.”