The Care Vortex

Previously published by BeWrite Books, now sadly no more, this is what was said of The Care Vortex on its first outing:- 'Now and then a book comes along that can never be forgotten, a book whose characters touch you deeply and remain in your memory. A story that shocks you into thinking about something you had never considered or completely changing your previous perceptions. The Care Vortex by Sam Smith is such a book.... If you want to read a book that will lull you to sleep at night, this book is not for you. It is no Little Orphan Annie with pretty pig-tailed children and fairy tale endings. Those trapped in the Care Vortex are damaged, the details harrowing. But for all that, it is a story of heroism, of people reaching out to each other and trying to overcome what has been done.' Gillian Davis

'... a no-holds-barred account of one day and night in a care home for disturbed young girls. At times, it reads more like non-fiction than fiction and therein lies the roots of its success... You cannot help but be drawn into the lives of the characters.... This is the real world and it grabs you by the throat and forces you to bite on the harsh reality of life for these maladjusted girls. To finish reading this book is to come out wiser and more understanding about the problems of damaged young people...' David Hough

‘The Care Vortex is a vitally important book. It should be read by anyone who has responsibility for children and young adults, whether they be parents, teachers, care workers, police, administrators ... it's all too easy in environments of near-isolation — family homes, care institutions, schools — to sweep the truth (and the children) under the carpet." Neil Marr: author of 'Bullycide: Death at Playtime'