Helpless: A True Short Story

A dramatic short story from experienced foster carer Rosie Lewis.

Baby Sarah is born to a crack-addicted mother on a freezing cold night in December. Rosie is woken a few short hours later, at 1am, and taken to the maternity unit by police escort to collect the infant and take her to a place of safety.

But it soon becomes clear that Sarah is suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms. Knowing that separation is inevitable, Rosie tries to maintain a professional distance but that’s easier said than done.

About the author

Rosie Lewis is a full-time foster carer. She has been working in this field for over a decade. Before that, she worked in the special units team in the police force.

Based in northern England, Rosie writes under a pseudonym to protect the identities of the children she looks after.