A Child of the State

Explore the powerful TED talk by poet and playwright Lemn Sissay as he shares his moving personal story of growing up as a child of the state. Discover why literature has long been fascinated with fostered, adopted, and orphaned children, from Moses to Cinderella to Oliver Twist to Harry Potter. Examine the reasons why many parentless children feel compelled to hide their pasts and the impact this has on their lives. Gain insights into the experiences of children in the foster care system and the challenges they face. Listen to Sissay's compelling narrative that sheds light on the complexities of identity, belonging, and resilience in the face of adversity. This 16-minute talk, filmed at TEDxHousesofParliament, offers a thought-provoking perspective on the often-overlooked experiences of children in care.