Introducing...Careless
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What early memories does the host ask listeners to recall about their childhood?
Think back if you can. To your very earliest memory. You might be able to picture where you were. What you were like? Who was around you at the time? Try and hold that memory for a moment. Do you actually remember it? Or could it be something your mum or dad told you about? Many people who grew up in care probably won't have that memory.
How does Nkechi describe her experience entering foster care at age 12?
There are no consistent witnesses to their childhood.
It was really fun being cheeky and crazy, but growing up in Camden was difficult because I also found myself in a lot of trouble.
Niketchi Sims went into foster care aged 12.
There was a black taxi called and me and my social worker got in the cab. And my mum handed over a Sainsbury's bag for life.
She's 27 now and a successful actor who is in one of the UK's most popular TV shows.
I was cast in top boy, so It all worked out for the better, really.
Why does Nkechi feel a persistent “humming” of unanswered questions about her past?
But for all of Nakechi's success, for the last six years, there has been a humming sound whirring away in the back of her mind. questions about her past. What happened to her? And why?
Morning, this is Contact Cambo. How can I help you today?
Hi uh, um basically I'm just trying to find somebody I can speak to about trying to retrieve all of my records.
Рекордс вичто ассырторсь.
What challenges does Nkechi face when trying to obtain her care records from Camden Council?
Someone's gonna sit in that office and read through every crappy personal detail of my life, decide what I get to see, and I'm just supposed to wait.
She needs to go bananas with the people at the other end. She needs to be playing Holy Hell.
You've walked me through a horror story. It's a horror story that so many children who are taken into care by the state experience. There's a tick box here that says parent or carer loves the child unconditionally, i.e. without strings attached.
And is it always better to know the truth?
It's just heartbreaking.
Is it better to uncover the truth about her childhood, even if it’s heartbreaking?
I don't really know the word for it. I feel heartbroken for myself. I feel heartbroken for like My family.
I'm Ashley John Baptiste. From The Observer and Tortoise Investigates, this is Careless. A story about memory, a faceless parent, and what we're entitled to know about ourselves.
They knew I was being exploited. And if people knew then they should have done something.
Careless is released on Tuesday the 22nd of September. To get early and ad-free access to episodes when the series launches, you can subscribe today wherever you're listening. You can also subscribe directly on our website at observer.co.uk forward slash subscribe and use the code AUDIO50 for 50% off.
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Chapters
5 chapters
1
What early memories does the host ask listeners to recall about their childhood?
0:01–0:25
2
How does Nkechi describe her experience entering foster care at age 12?
0:25–1:03
3
Why does Nkechi feel a persistent “humming” of unanswered questions about her past?
1:03–1:38
4
What challenges does Nkechi face when trying to obtain her care records from Camden Council?
1:38–2:14
5
Is it better to uncover the truth about her childhood, even if it’s heartbreaking?
2:14–3:05