A girl was repeatedly sexually abused for six years while in care in Warwickshire before she eventually died of a drug overdose after turning 18.

A report shared by Warwickshire Safeguarding revealed the teenager referred to only as 'Marie' died from "drug related misadventure" having struggled for a long time with addiction and other health issues.

It was revealed she was sexually abused repeatedly from the age of nine to 15 by one of her foster carers who has since been jailed for the abuse of multiple youngsters in the care system.

Marie received a large compensation payout from Warwickshire County Council when she turned 18, which her final foster mother later described as "a curse".

"It was known prior to her death that this child, to be referred to as Marie, had been misusing cocaine and alcohol, that she had been suffering from seizures, and that she had fluctuating mental health difficulties," the report explained..

"When considering her life experience from 2020, the ongoing impact of the many years of sexual abuse she suffered from her previous foster carer is clear."

Marie spent over £100,000 in just seven months before she died, on alcohol, nights out and drugs.

Among 10 recommendations on improving the support of these leaving care and the victims of sexual violence, the report said more should have been done to help her manage this money.

At the time of her death Marie was living with a 'staying put' carer - a foster parent who helps those leaving the care system adjust until they turn 21.

The report continued: "In the months prior to her death, there were concerns about Marie's mental and physical health, and her misuse of drugs and alcohol. 

"The staying put arrangement was increasingly vulnerable to breakdown. 

"There were also concerns that Marie was being exploited by some of those close to her due to the amount of money she had received as compensation."

Marie's mother and sister described her as "beautiful" and a "real firecracker" who was "bubbly and clever" and wanted to help others.

The review into her care and the final years of her life said: "While Marie masked it as best she could, they knew she was lost and unhappy, and that a lot more was going on for her than they knew about at the time."

It acknowledged more could have been done to support her and that previous failings within Marie's care and the prolonged abuse she received meant she had no trust in the system.

"Marie had little faith in most of the professionals who had worked with her previously, which led to her increasing avoidance of them," the report continued. 

"She was desperate to have a home of her own and to have the unconditional love of her own baby. 

"She had started a course to become a nursery worker but gave this up to work in the hospitality sector. 

"However, as her substance misuse increased, she worked less and spent less time at home and with her foster mum.

"In the last months of her life she had increasing health issues, including weight loss, insomnia, hallucinations, and depression."

An apology

Following the publication of the safeguarding review, a joint statement was shared by Warwickshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board, Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire Police).

It said: "We are deeply sorry that Marie was harmed while under the care of services that were meant to protect and support her. 

"While the criminal proceedings led to the conviction of the perpetrator and justice in a legal sense, we recognise that this does not lessen the pain and loss experienced by those who knew and loved her. 

"We also acknowledge that delays and communication issues added to the distress experienced by Marie and those around her. 

"We regret that more was not done to ensure her well-being and to demonstrate the care and support she deserved. 

"We are especially sorry that these reflections and acknowledgements come too late to be shared with Marie herself and recognise that she should have been apologised to at the time. 

"This apology is extended to her family, friends, and the wider community who have been affected by her loss. 

"We recognise the strength and courage it has taken to engage with this process and share your experiences."

Among the recommendations of the report, the need for better communication and better services for youngsters experiencing trauma were highlighted.