Searching for My Lost Family | Cutting Edge Documentary | North One

In this Cutting Edge film, journalist Rachel Roberts goes in search of the people with whom she once shared a children's home, with only a photo and childhood memories to help her. Along her journey she meets a long-lost member of her family - who she did not even know existed - and hears stories both of tragedy and hope from former housemates. Although focusing on Rachel's individual search, The Homecoming casts a wider look at the care system in general - and the long-lasting effects it can have on those caught up in it.

[@altrace-l9x]

Tina and Dennis should be nominated for the new years honours list for their incredible work with children !!!

[@saraward6302]

My parents ran a children’s home in Bristol , we lived there with the children from age 5 to 13 , my best friend is one of these children after 50 years … my dad gave away one 2 the girls on their wedding days . My dad has passed now but the remaining children still keep in contact wuth my mum who is on her 70s now.. we had wonderful holidays and lives my parents treated them all as if they were their own ❤️

[@julierogers1155]

WOW. Your parents must be (have been in your dad's case) LOVELY people.

[@deidrekeneally2127]

Your mum's as well.

[@veronicakelly3245]

Jeremy Corbyns grand/Great Father was the boss of a work house. So it doesn't need saying what it was like.

[@JenniB123]

That is so lovely of your parents. I hope your mother is well & happy. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@sharon8110]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ruthhughes1099]

I have never heard a story where children who were in "Care" were happy. That Ms. Tina deserves heaven on earth! Thanks for sharing~

[@maryevelyn3059]

Not mentioned in this video but I read an article online about the making of this documentary and found this information. Her sister, Jenny [who was in the same children's home] did not want to feature in the film, but Roberts said she felt her sister had been there with her, all the same. "Her emotional well-being was hugely important to me. She was seeing it [events] second-hand. She got her head round it and we've become closer through it."

[@joanneschmitt8806]

Wondered why Jenny wasn't mentioned. What amazing people Tina, Dennis and Rachel ❤

[@risin4949]

What an incredibly powerful video. I think the lady who ran the home deserves the highest honours that the nation can bestow.

[@TaureanTrish]

My sentiments exactly. 😇

[@jeanroeder5534]

And of course her husband who stood with her in loving theses children.

[@traceyannewilkins]

Tina & Dennis deserve MBE for their devotion to the children in their care as they are obviously loved and remembered so fondly 🎖🎖

[@JenniB123]

I was thinking the same thing. What truly gracious people.

[@caropapa]

I totally agree, both Tina and Dennis need to have their names put forward to the honors list

[@tabithahapl3123]

Seeing how proud Dennis was that one of their kids was a head chef...Yes they are their children, they were the only ones that showed those people love and care.

[@chubbieminami3274]

The fact that most of the children came together tells everything. I am so inspired by Tina and Dennis.

[@sherir4462]

Absolutely fantastic. We adopted our 5th son from Ukraine when he was 14 years old. He went to the orphanage at age nine. He remembers his "mommas" the two orphanage teachers, with a deep admiration and love.

[@wheredidthetimego8087]

It’s refreshing to hear there was a good home out there for kids. You hear about such horrible ones all the time.

[@colleenhavlena338]

Thank goodness for Tina. She truly is an angel from heaven.

[@standup2982]

What a truly wonderful woman ❤

[@celestryalcelestryal6690]

Proving again that family is not bonded by blood but by love. Wishing the whole of you a life time of blessings in the future.

[@delishme2]

If anyone is in doubt about what a difference Love can make to our lives, let this serve as an example. My heart ached for some of these people, i felt their pain in a very visceral way, but i was also bolstered and inspired by the love given by those two selfless wonderdul people who did their very best to be the light and love in the darkness for all those little children. Bless them, i hope the reunion did a little to heal some of those wounds. Thank you Rachel for sharing your very real and poignant story and for using your story to help other children in need.

[@christinagiannaros9817]

I'm so glad they were in a place where they experienced love and safety. My heart aches for children who were in places where they experienced terrible abuse. Sadly they seem to be greater than people like Tina and Dennis. Where the vulnerable are the predators gravitate.

[@julierogers1155]

Ditto to everything you state above.

[@Ponkelina]

Someone has to nominate her. I hope someone who knows her reads this and nominates her. Just contact Buckingham Palace.

[@julierogers1155]

@@Ponkelina I HOPE SO. IF I was a U.K. citizen I would nominate her myself ... alas, I live in, and am a citizen of, the United States.

[@melanieladinesrealtorincen2106]

Thank you for your wonderful comment. Very eloquent and well stated.

[@jan-michele3546]

I was afoster child in the mid 1980s in America. I went into care as a teenager and aged out 2 yrs later. What these people have gone through I can feel that. I was also handed from one relative to another as a young child. I became a mom at 17 yrs old while in care, I married at 18, had a child at 19 another at 21. I divorced my husband because of his abuse. At 27, I married my 2nd husband and had my last child at 28 yrs old. I have a hard time and even tried suicide a couple times in my life. I learned that I have some mental issues because of the abuse I received from my mother as an infant and every time he had custody of me. I reunited with my foster brother last year (he was adopted by my foster parents before I came to their home. I have always love my little brother. Since last year we bonded again as siblings. I love his wife too. He still lives in the home his parents raised him in and I was in.. Foster siblings can be family too.

[@teschchr122]

Yeah, I was abandoned at one month, stayed in foster care until I was 3.5 and then adopted into a horribly abusive household. I went back into foster care at 15 and aged out. This has resulted in many psychological issues as well as physical ones. The body does really keep the score…. I’m 60 and and cannot work. I also have a very hard time making friends.

[@altrace-l9x]

@@teschchr122 yes abuse in childhood screws us up for life xx

[@bradley244ify]

I thought it was interesting that the protagonist in the documentary notes said was now a mentor for those 49:12 49:12 in the foster system. I am 73 and lately taken an interest in supernanny Videos. Maybe mentoring would be something I could do. The supernanny videos remind me what a difficult job childrearing can be. I am probably too old to commit to full time work but just listening and being supportive can do quite a bit of good.

[@The22Jeanne]

@@bradley244ify That's so so true . Also, as, most of the time, what we ourselves view as "only" a little thing, as a "normal" "thing to do" is received as something to be treasured. And, contrary to prevailing clichés, children are most times grateful .. You only have to be very genuine and full focus during the interaction. And neither being too demanding, nor too indulgent. Like all relationships, it's a balancing act. And only You are the best judge of who is worth your time. I for one congratulate/command you for this mindset, and wish you a lot of success with this endeavour. Cheers 🥂 & ☮ 0ut, jungled0ut bagheera 11/15/2023

[@bilygates2509]

It hurts me when i see propaganda promoting this practice when I’m reality the adoptee goes through hell.. stay strong you aren’t alone ❤

[@TheViolettowne]

I came from a very violent family with a mother who was an alcoholic. I looked out for my younger sisters but had to leave at 15. I lived on hippie communes till I was 18. It was much better than at home. I wanted to have a reunion with some of them because I never had a family or a high school to return to. The hippies were all older than I was and were not interested in my wanting to have a reunion. This story felt familiar and I could relate.

[@lc285]

Her story compares nothing to her surprise half brother's. Inagine your own father not acknoweledging you to hide your existence to your half sisters living in the same chikdrens home. My heart went out to him.

[@1961-v9k]

Aah, this is heartbreaking. In the care system from 10 days old and never put up for adoption….unbelievable. Bless his heart 🙏

[@gabe-po9yi]

Her saying she’d tell her little sister not to cry, that they had to be good little girls to be able to get parents tore me up.

[@bilygates2509]

My little granddaughter became very docile after her removal ..she is in survival mode… am praying and fighting to get her back ❤.. stay strong.

[@wendyhall6609]

Me too 😢

[@carpediemdoesdiamondpainting]

They were the real Mum and Dad. Total respect.

[@vincenthewlett4329]

i was put into the care system at about 12ish Olands in taunton was my first place then to kingswood clasyfiying school then kingswood training school.........Olands have my fondest memories...i left the system at 16/17 straight into the British Army.....i have done ok i think........loved this programme

[@stephaniesnape6787]

Sounds like you did brilliantly.

[@vincenthewlett4329]

@@stephaniesnape6787 I like to think I have

[@ianjohnboy]

thank you for your service to your country you should be proud of yourself,i salute you .

[@sunshinegal4294]

When they all got together for the reunion, you could just see and feel the great love and bond each of them felt for Tina as they hugged her. It deeply warmed my heart on the impact she had on each of these adults as children. She truly loved them and they felt it. I’m so grateful for someone as special and caring as Tina to have been such an impactful influence on each of their lives. I’m sorry Brian missed the reunion. I think it would have been nice for all to bond. It is SUCH a sad story to think what each of these adults went through as children, being abandoned, or abused by their own families and how much that has affected them. I hope they can all keep in touch with Tina. ❤

[@sunshinegal4294]

I’m very proud of Brian who went into the system at 10 days old never even having parents and moved around, to see how well he made of his life and choosing to raise his two sons! That is HUGE! That says so much about him and who he is as an individual. Well done Brian.

[@mssdn8976]

People like Tina and Dennis are such special people, what wonderful memories they’ve given

[@thunderousapplause]

“this is why I’ve not got many memories. Because I choose not to have them.” 😢😢😢

[@vickythefist7062]

I cried my eyes out when she met the landlord of the pub and it was her half brother. It really really shicked me so god knows how much it shocked her

[@Blessings-b2x]

This woman is brave intelligent and beautiful. Her mom did miss out!

[@Sheila_74]

Thank heavens for people like Tina and Dennis ❤️

[@heatherreis3276]

I would very much like to see a doc about Tina and other foster moms who instilled happy and positive memories for the children in their care. It seems rare because we only hear the horror stories of foster care. I don't want to think that is the norm. Bring on the positive stories of home and foster care! That's what I got from this. Lovely Tina.

[@BhutanBluePoppy]

Brilliant idea! I for one am fed up with the negative and salacious nature of the press - “if it bleeds, it leads” does make the most money, but as humans we CAN do better.

[@justelleslife507]

Here's the thing about being raised with love and nurture from a parent or parent figure no matter how you get it, I never went into any sort of outside care, I was raised by a mother who neglected and severely abused me more so the older I became, I never learned how to defend myself or how to make my own life as I'm neurodivergent, so I silently took it and it went on a very long time, I have no emotional reserves, I can't be around people very long until I run out of mental stamina, that's just one thing I deal with, then people don't like that and I get rejected, yet I long to be nurtured, I believe all the injustices we go through will be met with much mercy, it just won't be while we're on this earth.

[@aftersexhighfives]

I'm much the same, raised very sheltered but really just left to my own after around 3. You deserve love. Please go to hobby meet ups and find those few friends who will understand. A lot of latch key kids feel this way. All of us left to our own devices to varying degrees. I raised myself after 3. I don't remember my mom as a child yet she was my only parent for most of my childhood. She didn't need to work that much and was often home, she has a degree that earns well. She just "slept" a lot. It took a very bad marriage but I'm happy now with my second husband. I met him at a hobby group meet up. I like a miniatures game, it was similar to how I played chess and I liked it a lot. I'm very good at it. My ex would have tantrums. My current husband laughed. We didn't meet again for a few years. But I remembered him from the game group when I saw him again about a year after finally getting divorced. One day he came over and just kinda never went home. Still don't want him to go home and its been over a decade now. 😂❤ find your forever person. They don't need to be a partner partner, they can be a very good like minded similarly wired friend. Not everyone wants romance, romance and that's a normal as any thing else. But we all need hugs and a village who checks on us. ❤

[@aftersexhighfives]

My ex would tantrum because he couldn't beat me. His strategy was very obvious and he couldn't think ahead like you must when strategically playing. 😂 couldn't leave that weird sentence without context. He was a very very sore loser, in every way.

[@jessicapiacquadio8491]

Agreed, but they are unable to understand how a family unit works. And then it often times ends in divorce.

[@teschchr122]

Made me feel good that I’m one of the 7 percent that went on to further my education. I wish I would have had a pleasant experience with foster care.

[@lindaroloff34]

😢I understand 😢

[@myfathersdaughter324]

I hear you Micheal. Abandonment can leave us feeling like nothing is permanent. We are so sure that our relationships are going to abandon us, so we walk away first protecting ourselves so that we may never feel hurt again. You can move on from past hurts, but believing in your heart of hearts that you are enough. Bless you 🙏🏻❤

[@tangerinefizz11]

It's sad to think there are some children who literally spend their entire childhood in care and are never fostered or adopted.

[@Jackie-rc6cj]

Tina and Dennis are earth Angels for actually caring for the children in their home. The Foster Mum Tina reminds me of my own grandmother who was brought up in and out of homes as a child and just gave love to children for her whole adult life. My Grandmother used to thank all the children if they did chores because She was never thanked and used as a slave for her entire childhood. I am glad that Rachel got to meet everyone from her childhood again, and I have never cried so much in my life at the heartache being from a broken home can have on the psyche of a child. Beautiful re-union story's if not cathartic for all involved. Thankyou for the upload.

[@rkh7904]

What a beautiful Foster Carers, these children had. It must have been incredibly hard to be cut from their families and placed in the care system,but people like Tina and Dennis were the true gems that made it a less scary experience.I would have loved to have seen Jenny, too.

[@MariaMaria-o8w]

Yes, I wonder where and how Jenny is 🙂

[@tessmoore3762]

@@MariaMaria-o8w I was wondering the same thing. She never said.

[@TheLastSongbird124]

This story shows the very simple yet ultimately important reality that kids who receive love and care don't necessarily need to get that from biological parents, it's the growing up with it that is paramount. Obviously growing up with loving natural parents is preferred but there's plenty of kids today living with 'natural parents' who should never have been parents! I was born into the slums of an industrial town in 1950 with no father and virtually no mother but had the most loving, affectionate, hard working, no nonsense grandma to bring me up. She taught me the values to live by and gave me the fight to be independent, which I needed when she died when I was 16 so needed to take care of myself from then on. I subsequently had an amazing life all around the world and all of it thanks to my gran and the old style working class community that helped take care of me and supported my gran which ultimately benefitted me. That kind of community doesn't seem to be very common in 2023 GB?

[@KarmasAbutch]

I had to check the username bc I didn’t remember writing this here and see it’s someone else’s story and only written 9 days ago. I am stunned by the similarities- except I still miss my Gran everyday- I think partly because I ended up in North America and away from those supportive working class values. But when I returned to Northern England to visit over the years it was unrecognizable. So I am trapped in time between two homes that aren’t quite really mine. That 16 years of validation was all I got. Enough to survive and thrive initially- but not enough to sustain through the decades as I age.

[@LilyGazou]

That’s wonderful.

[@tillybinkieking7258]

I am the old lady now, I am very fortunate to have supporting neighbours. These lovely people are from all around the world living here in England. Bouquet of Flowers.

[@TheLastSongbird124]

@@tillybinkieking7258 My respect :)

[@ramonam9251]

Me too. Thank God for my grandma.

[@helenlevy8595]

What an amazing story of trauma, separation but ultimately of deep connection in a system that is often much maligned. Tina did a wonderful job!

[@patriciamoffat1542]

Tina and Dennis gave all the children in their care, everything a child looks for, needs and deserves. A warm and loving home full of security, happiness and love. Such an amazing little group of people, who had really come together as small children through sad, confusing and traumatic experiences. An exceptionally good documentry.

[@BhutanBluePoppy]

WJyst having “a good schedule” as one of the children mentioned - is so important.

[@williamf4544]

What a wonderful thing Rachael Roberts did here - In a way she helped her friends make a bit more sense of what they went through and perhapd look back at things and focus on the good rather than the bad that may well have still been festering away inside them - And through it all every one of them has turned out to be people you would be proud to have as friends - The lad who was the bully was in care from a baby - maybe his experiences in the previous homes taught him to be a bit tough to survive and not let his gusrd down by getting too friendly with the other kids i guess -There were a lot of complex situations going on here that none of us have the right to judge

[@altrace-l9x]

yes and Robert who was the tough kid ended up raising his two sons alone rather than risk them going into the care system so that says a lot to me about his good heart and character

[@minkgin3370]

I felt so sorry for her older brother who ran the Pub. To know your dad had come to visit his younger children there, but didn’t want to see you, how could he do that……absolutely heartbreaking.

[@williamf4544]

Yes terrible - Something like that will stay at the back of your mind all your life - Having sadi that if the dad was like that the lad didnt miss much but thats not the point@@minkgin3370

[@dawnegan3984]

. .

[@dawnegan3984]

L

[@GillDawe]

Oh my heart, I wish every child had a Tina in their life, what a difference some love and support makes in the lives of children

[@1961-v9k]

This is profoundly the best thing I have watched in years. I fostered 2 to 7 year olds for eight years. Every single one of these children, no matter what they went through, ALWAYS loved their parent/parents. Rachel becoming a mentor for children in care is definitely what is needed 🙏

[@nualarosth8448]

What that couple did for those children is amazing ❤

[@guitardee1]

Such a bittersweet programme. The thing that struck me most was what a beautiful child Michael was and even as an adult with the most lovely eyes.

[@tangerinefizz11]

Tina and Dennis are special people.

[@lindalinamoanapuia7468]

It warms my heart to see that some of the children grew up and made something of themselves. This reunion idea by Rachael obviously reminded some who've had it rough as adults of the love and fun they had as children. I pray they'll keep in touch and that the bond will inspire those who are struggling to have the strength and confidence to face and pursue a positive life. Tina and Dennis are angels. ❤

[@gingerbee98]

I'm a bit lost for words after watching that. Very moving, very raw, very real. I feel honoured to have seen it 🙏💜

[@katharineharrison9091]

Emotional. What a journey. Why were these children not permanently adopted? They needed a forever family to tether them in their adulthood.

[@candyrbennett]

I love love this! I think this Tina should awarded and recognized by the state in a big big way! Every single kid had such life altering experiences with her love along the way. Being as though you most often we hear horrific stories in a system that was broken this Tina was an exception. I hope she knows the magnitude of the goodness she gifted in her time yo shiw each of these what kindness and love looks like! Thanks for sharing...it makes me want to do better!

[@fionasaunders7646]

Love Brian’s freckles when he was a wee lad, so deeply sad for him. God Bless him and give him peace & love.

[@annar6430]

6yrs of my life..of which 70% I will not revisit. Yes the smaller children were treated better. No I did not end up on the streets. I got a degree and a lifelong career. Can only name 1 genuinely caring worker there. Never go back, only forward.

[@standup2982]

Good for you Anna, sending love 💘

[@LilyGazou]

Well done. I have years I can’t remember. I don’t try to.

[@annar6430]

@@LilyGazou Thankyou Lily ❤

[@annar6430]

@@standup2982 Thankyou Stan ❤

[@janicearluck6637]

This is soo beautiful. I feel the same way about my step-dad as what Tina was for these kids in care. Yes my dad is alive but i see him once every 8 or so years. All my happy memories are with my mum and step-dad. In the end blood is not always thicker than water.

[@jamiepan7650]

What a sad and beautiful story. I. So glad that she found most of the crew. Fantastic,

[@yvonnesimpson4584]

Beautiful story. Tina & her hubby Derek are the few house parents who truly cared for the children they raised and this reflects on all the lovely comments from those whom were raised in the children’s home.

[@CathyVanMatre]

What a wonderful story. Very heart touching. My husband was in foster care and he is still in contact with the family. Everyone but his father. I even got to meet the foster mother and father that pretty much raised him up

[@orlabuckley9641]

I can relate to part of your story Rachel, my grandmother got pregnant with my mother in 1940 and lived in Ireland this was frowned upon on the mothers side more so because a pregnancy was visible. My mother was born in a mother and baby home and while we knew something was secret in relation to her birth and her parents marriage still we were never told and only when my sister saw my mothers birth cert after my mother died then it was revealed, we always suspected that her sister was in fact a half sister we were never told, I only found out about 3 years ago and still to this day I get very emotional about it, my sister can't understand why our mother never told us as my mother was very religious but we never would have judged her, my anger is with my grandfather, he rejected my mother his own child for over 2 years and to this day I still get angry, I come close to hating him but I can't as I would be as bad as he was, I hope you are okay now and that you have reunited with all your family, it is amazing just how one person can do such damage to an entire family, it is unfathomable

[@altrace-l9x]

Here in Ireland in the 40s 50s 60s and 70s it was such a shameful thing to be pregnant out of wedlock. The girl would be sent to a mother and baby home or a magdalene laundry, where baby was born and often illegally adopted by american or canadian couples. The young mum would often spend the rest of her life in the Magdelene laundry like a prisoner. They were very different days indeed, dont hate your grandfather he was merely a product of his generation and the fact that he did eventually step up and marry your grandmother was quite surprising as most didnt. Also your grandfather would have been very young when baby was born. If you want to check out more you should google Irish Mother and Baby homes, Tuam Babies or sean ross home.

[@beverleyhasler1521]

What an amazing story. It was such an emotional journey for these adults. Wonderful to see them laughing at the photos.

[@JOHANNA-qd6iz]

The pain on the faces of her biological brother and the half brother was so plain to see. I think Rachel had a soft spot for the father when reading about him trying to care for them going to prison and having the 2 strokes. For me it shows how we see a story and have different opinions.

[@caralinehowden2951]

These children were given something a lot of children who live with their birth family dont get, (yes I was one of them). I found this Doco to be very heartwarming, however sadly not all childrens homes were like this.

[@angek1588]

What a wonderful story ❤️...thankyou so much for sharing and for Tina what a wonderful wonderful foster carer Mum and to her husband bravo 👏

[@boysrus61]

Thank you for that story. I wish Brian would have shown up because I am sure they all would have made peace.

[@debbiee6535]

I know that not every child gets a great pair of foster parents. But these people who were designed to be Foster knew and loved and that is 99% of a child's upbringing I am happy that she had that upbringing and she had such great memories of that. Each child is different, each child needs something different oh, these people seem to know what these children needed

[@ankiking]

I’m confused, they say she was 4 when going into care and was there only 15 months, but she is about 9 or 10 in that image….

[@frockabyebabyshabbychic2611]

Agreed. There’s no way she’s only five in the photo.

[@lizzyh7417]

Maybe she had other placements before going to Tina and Dennis?

[@KC-gy5xw]

'A Minor' - At that time, she would have left school at 14, considered mostly as a young adult. Times we can't understand now. I feel sorry for all them, horrible to find out the truth for her and her siblings...

[@robynandrews4384]

Never let your children get into the system. So sad for the kids who end up there. 😢 There are not enough Tina's and Dennis's on this planet. Wonderful people.❤

[@Emy53]

I would still search for them to show them that they have not been forgotten. So many die never knowing who they really are. I hate secrets.

[@violainemarty3052]

Rachel, I commend you for your bravery and hard work in your research and tracking down everyone. God bless you! Thank you for the work that you do today!

[@CurlyCrowie]

I need to watch this again. So nany layers to their stories

[@tillybinkieking7258]

Well done Tina and Dennis. How deep this goes....

[@Kim-anions]

Well, you had the education and the wherewithal to find them and make them feel loved again. Bravo! A mixed bag of emotions. ❤️

[@julierogers1155]

Thank you, Rachel Roberts, for such an important documentary. And, yes, Tina deserves the HIGHEST HONOURS that Britain can bestow.

[@vickythefist7062]

Tina s an angel in disguise. I don't think she realised up until this moment tbe i.pact that she had in all these children . What an amazing women .i think she deserves a MBE , or some kind of recognition. She has a really kind face .

[@tangerinefizz11]

It's amazing how happy their memories of the care home are. You often hear horror stories about the care system.

[@pattiwhite9575]

What a wonderful Documentary. So heartwarming. They were all very lucky children to have been placed in the care of such wonderful people a young age. Love the ending that she will volunteer with home to mentor. It is what all homes should have. Volunteers are helping raise our next generation.

[@SheilaGallagher-l9d]

Very touching documentary. Heartbreaking at times. Wanted to hug the children/ adults who only wanted the love of a caring parent. Thank God for people like Tina and Dennis who shared their lives and love with these lost children. ❤

[@jenniferbassett3001]

Rachel, you are such an ANGEL for making those arrangements and for what you will do as an advocate, for future generations🙏🙏 ❤❤ USA

[@kenziikenzii8944]

My heart goes out to those that have never felt family life, and the troubles it brought into their lives after they grew up, but the happy times the two foster carers gave the children you couldn't ask more of a foster parent, awesome people Growing up we had a Children's home in our street that cared for about 10 children, my parents stayed together and brought 5 of us up, my parents were alcoholics and my dad was physically violent, it was a tough life, I remember asking my Mum to put me in a children's home as it was a very unhappy childhood, she never did, and even though life was tough I am thankful

[@favouritemoon4133]

That was really very sad, but at the same time a pleasure to watch and I want to thank everyone who took part. I was not in the same children's home, but one in Sheffield. There were some things about it that seemed bizarre to me, but the Managers - who were a couple, like at the home Rachel and her sister were in - and the staff seemed kind and I remember my relatively brief time there fondly.

[@ead9726]

Wow, I chanced upon this video tonight and I had to continue watching it, I lived in Cantley Doncaster until the early 1960’s. I had moved away so I do not know of the children’s home, but what a moving story.

[@beautifulspirit2973]

My cousin contacted me after looking on a heritage site. I’ve seen my Aunty and uncles photographs for the very first time and my great grandfather. It was very emotional. Family matters

[@rosasettimio191]

A very emotional, touching account of the lives of the carers and children. Thank you for sharing.💕💕

[@NaturallYouFood]

What a lovely, eternal thing Rachel @North One, did by meeting up with her 'family' from the children's home. I would love to hear that they all get together regularly with their 'mom and dad', Tina and Dennis, and do life together, hopefully bringing healing to all the children who are now adults. It makes one want to go out there and make a difference in some children's life ♥

[@janesmith9024]

A very good 1990s film. Good luck to them all. Our natural instinct is that children should be with their parents and there are some awful cases where they are wrongfully removed from parents BUT sometimes parents are so awful care is better.

[@LostInThe0zone]

Quite a remarkable journey. Thank God for people like Tina.

[@bethelshiloh]

Gosh! This was a heart wrench story. But so good. What sweet kids. And Tina and her husband are precious.

[@2TMarie]

It is so nice to hear that she has fond, loving, bonding memories of the foster care mum, that cared for her and her sister. Mostly we hear "horror stories" of the treatment in care, and the damage that was left behind.

[@kellydiver]

What a bittersweet story. Thank God for people like Tina and her husband who are willing to share their love. Neither my brother nor I were able to have children of our own, and we have both ended up raising other people’s children. It really does take a village to raise a child.

[@semperfidelis2970]

So very many people in my life that I think of all the time all the time and I remember distinct things about them. I wonder about them but I have no way of knowing. And I know where all my family is but we are separated and disheveled and truly truly lost. And the worst is nobody cares, nobody wants to make an effort to maybe once every year once every couple of years to do something together to make an effort. Any kind of effort, but they just don't give a darn and so I truly am a lost child also........ And I absolutely in no way mean to compare myself to somebody who grew up in foster care. But I sort of know the feeling because I was shipped around from one relative to the other and even in different provinces of Canada and different countries of the world even as far as Europe. So I was nobody's child. I guess I'm still nobody's child.

[@standup2982]

I'm so sorry, how are you now?

[@veronicahaide9544]

❤

[@rosefazio1859]

As I sat here watching this video I cried for both the heartache felt by these children at not having their own mom and dad to care for and love them and for the joy they had in finding themselves in a truly loving foster care home. You hear so many horror stories about abuse in the foster care system, and then this story comes along to inspire hope. This foster care couple deserves an award for the loving home and good memories they provided to the children placed in their care. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@maryyoung1857]

They don't need no fancy award from royalty...these awesome foster couple have got the beautiful memories.. the love and respect from all the children they have loved over the years.... that's the highest reward that you can give them....my utmost respect and love to you all.

[@trumpetvine8642]

Oh, I really enjoyed seeing this film. Thank you, Rachel (even though I cried.)

[@vickythefist7062]

Me too .especially when the boy in the home turned out to be her half brother.

[@christinejackson3922]

Wow !!! What a powerful, amazing and at times heartbreaking documentary.

[@paulaneary6468]

These children were fortunate to happen upon this loving and caring couple. A true example of how love can alter lives

[@honeymcdonald9120]

If you leave or abuse your children you should lose all rights. So many people want to adopt, which is far far better than being in foster care or having foster children who you may lose. That man who was put into care at 10 days old!!! Imagine the life he may have had, the chances he could have been given, except for "child services" protecting his parents!!! I makes my blood boil!!!

[@jenbeulke6395]

I just feel like I want to hug the hurt out of all of them. I would also love to hug Tina and Dennis for being incredibly beautiful human beings.

[@vibrantscolor]

Tina really loved all the children ❤

[@pearlhannah2136]

Best one yet 😊, going to watch it again later missed bits cause my eyes were watering xx😊

[@crankygurl4311]

Family is not always blood related but life related

[@TheElizabethashby]

WOW THIS PROGRAM BROUGHT A LOT OF MEMORIES TO ME ABOUT CHILDREN'S HOMES AND FOSTER PARENTS ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW BUT LIFE GOES ON

[@Tinyflypie]

Why does the honour system ignore the work of people who give abandoned children love hope and a chance at life. Yet it rewards actors,rockstars and other who don't contribute nearly so much.

[@samanthacooper3097]

I identify with these people so much I love that, I am happy to have these story’s for other people who didn’t grow up in care to see the other side

[@Bow-j6c]

Three cheers for Tena and her husband, U two have a beautiful big family, CONTENTMENT PEOPLE ❤

[@sandyduncan3174]

How lucky she was to have been put in a wonderful caring government home. And fostered out with her sister into a caring home.

[@lucilledaub5991]

This was very interesting to see these kids finding each other after a long time.

[@sabrinaihh]

Oh Tina and Dennis ❤ my heart beams for these wonderful, caring and tender human beings who may have been the only adults to show love to these vulnerable children from when they arrived. You can especially feel Tinas warmth and compassion through the screen! It seems this doc was made at some point in the 00’s, I wonder if Tina and Dennis are still alive now and I wonder how all the adults who were children in their care are doing now

[@lynnhexler-haan3357]

Poignant throughout, lives on a rollercoaster.