This week, we’d like to help a 9 year old boy called Devan who has just been removed from his mum’s care.

Devan had been living with his mum and stepdad for his whole life. His mum only allowed him to see his dad for an hour a week. Over the past few months, it came to light that Devan was being physically abused by his mum and stepdad, and social services became involved. He has now been placed in the care of his dad, and his mum and stepdad are under police investigation.

His dad is a carer for Devan’s nan, who has disabilities. They have been living in poverty for years and the house has fallen into disrepair. But they welcomed Devan with open arms. Devan’s social worker said: “Devan is severely traumatised by what happened to him, which deeply affects his behaviour. But his dad and nan have proven to be the most consistent, committed and resilient carers that anyone could hope for.”

Devan has violent outbursts and a lot of behavioural issues, but his dad and nan are working really hard with professional services to get advice and give him the care that he needs.

Devan's dad feels embarrassed by the way they're living, so we aren't going to share many photos. But they don’t have a washing machine or a cooker, their bedding and towels are old and ripped, and they also don’t have any proper heating in their home. Before Devan came to live with them, they were managing without most appliances, but they need to be able to wash Devan’s school uniform and prepare him proper meals. 

Devan is afraid to sleep in his own bedroom, so is sleeping in the living room at the moment. But they'd like to try create a lovely bedroom for him, where he feels calm and safe. Devan is also in need of clothes, shoes, books and toys. We’d like to help make their house into a warm, welcoming space for Devan and give them the best possible fresh start together.

(We sometimes change people's names / photos to protect their privacy.)