Oh, your story is oh so familiar. And I totally picture those social workers patting themselves on the back as they run away feeling grateful you have solved a problem for them. You and your niece should have received a variety of services over the years. But the years of trauma may still have emerged with some kind of behaviour at different stages of life.

You need to let go of all you are carrying. You gave her a family and support and love. That will always be there for her, it's not gone even if she does not seem connected to you now. All those days and nights and the ways in which you showed your care are with her. It is very. very hard to create a close and trusting bond with a young person who has been traumatized in their early years. But never lose hope that she may turn things around. You just never know.