Publisher's Synopsis
Excluded Children - The Project, follows the often-chaotic lives of children permanently excluded from mainstream school, and tells their story. It is told through the eyes of someone whose own childhood experience would not be out of place among these pages also, and raises the question - what happens to these children? It delves into the rationale that influences their behaviours, as they attempt to survive with everything spiralling out of control around them. "It's hard to believe in a so-called society, children can still be treated in such a manner, you took us right out of our comfort zone and reminded us of what goes on. Each one of us was challenged, long may people like you continue." - The Rotary Group All were diagnosed with Emotion Behavioural Difficulties (EBD) and had a Statement of Education Needs (SEN/EHCP) and more besides. Once excluded, their outlook was bleak, many were left to drift for years, and left facing an uncertain future. The majority endured extremely traumatic childhoods, with neglect, physical and sexual abuse prevalent in their young lives. Along with the effects of parental life-choices, criminality, alcohol and drugs dependency. The final exclusion when it came; only added further misery, isolating them even more, and allowing their suffering to continue unabated. Often referred to as the Authorities 'best kept secret', the forming of The Project was a long-overdue realisation that this could not, and should not be allowed to continue. Initially, it started out in an old house with just a handful of wayward boys, and staggered along. But the idea grew, and other premises had to be found to meet the demand, until finally girls were included as well. With this book, the reader will travel the road and run the gauntlet with these children, as they attempt to rebuild their lives and change their futures for the better. Sometimes funny, sometimes harrowing, the work and situations do tear at your emotions, but overall, it is a story of hope, and the triumph of the human spirit, even in some so very young. The book changes emphasis as the chapters go on, and focuses more on individual children's cases; to highlight the extreme emotional turmoil some endure. And the life or death decisions they sometimes make. Excluded Children - The Project, promotes the case that we should look behind the behaviours; to really understand what is driving young people to act in such ways, to where they would even attempt to take their own life. The author has not shirked from keeping it frank, honest and real, in the belief that it is the only way to really include their voice, and not lose its meaning. It is the story of real children in our time.
