Read a fab book (fiction I think) about fostering

[seaofyou]

As I ended up in this interesting section of MN. I decided the other day I decided to pick up my first non ASD book in 5yrs to read (ds 7AS) . I picked up immediately drawn to it.
The author an experienced foster carer and I could not put the book down. It was called Crying for Help by Casey Watson.

I think although fictional it was how it can be and helps foster careers decide if it for them...I found her passion for her vocation truly inspirational!

[Panadbois]

Thank you, I'll look for it in the library tomorrow

[seaofyou]

I got it in Tesco's 2 books for £7 so new out might not have reached library yet? But author has written 2 other fostering books too but I have not read them but if anything like this one v good:)

[NanaNina]

Ah Seaofyou I have been looking for you, as I couldn't find the orginal thread till I saw this. How are things going with your little boy and are you now more re-assured about matters than you were a few weeks ago. Would love to hear from you. NN

[caz2go]

I,v just finished this book .
A great read for anyone who is fostering or thinking about doing so . I couldnt put it down ! .It it a true story and I will think about this book whenever I,m feeling sorry for myself and struggling to cope :(.
Our f/d is around the same age as the girl in the book and whilst she has her problems like any lac they are mild in comparison.
It is a truly inspirational read , just make sure you have plenty of time to read it as you won,t be able to put it down and don,t forget the tissues ! .x

[seaofyou]

Hi Nana (what a fitting name on hear looking after the foster mums and dads:))

I need to ask you a question(s)? As I am a bit confused on CP protocols? Shall I start a new thread as the book is fab and don't want to kill the thread!

Glad you enjoyed (is that the word I should be using lol) the book! She is an amazing writer..I couldnt put it down either! Sorry to hear of your difficulties Caz (((hugs)))

[NanaNina]

Why don't you PM me Sea - would be good to hear how you and little boy are getting on.

[Panadbois]

I enjoy reading Cathy Glass books too. Its refreshing to get an honest viewpoint rather than a "fostering is wonderful" mentality that you tend to get on forums like MN! (Not saying that it's not wonderful , just saying that it can be hard and heart breaking )

[BusterTheDonk]

I've just read my first Cathy Glass book panadbois.. I enjoyed it - particularly as it was so relevant about a baby, but did sort of find it tried hard to be 'educational' ifkwim... I suppose to someone not in 'fostering' the terminology etc would be very interesting and factual...

[Panadbois]

Can you tell me the title Buster, I've not read that one. I've just finished Hidden, which was nearly too good to be true at the end!

To be honest, as I'm fairly new to this, proceedures and jargon in her book are helpful for me. Its a steep learning curve isn't it.

[BusterTheDonk]

A baby's Cry.... I cried just reading the info on the back!! sentimental fool x

[TulipsfromAmsterdam]

I've read quite a few Cathy Glass books and then go on her website to see updates on the children. It's great to see how well some are doing after awful starts in life.
I really enjoyed A Baby's Cry for the same reason as BTD as I also foster a young baby.

[seaofyou]

Sorry OT Nana I PM'd you:)

Casey Watson has written 2 other books too on fostering. Tempted to gp out and get another! My mum loved the book too said it was very insightful into the lives of FCs and how difficult it can be

[NanaNina]

I don't want to spoil anyone's enjoyment from these books but I honestly don't believe that they are true stories. The market is swamped with these sort of books at the moment (sometimes known as "misery memoirs") and I have never read one. However there is no way that any foster carer could write books about the children they have had in their care, no matter if names have been changed. I think Kathy and Casey (and many other like them) research child protection and fostering and then write a novel, and make lots of money. Incidentally what does it say on the back of the book because it should say "novel or fiction or biogaphy or autobiography."

There was a case in the area that worked for and a foster carer did a brilliant job with a young girl, from the age of about 10, and the girl then went on to undertake the social work degree and the carer wanted to just put this in Community Care (magazine for social workers/foster carers and whoever else wants and is willing to pay the small subscription price, with names of girl and herself changed of course but the LA press office and legal services gave a resounding NO to this being published.

But please don't let my suspicions put you off reading the books. I have been on Amazon to look at the pics of these books and read some of the reviews and came across several reviewers who were angry that these accounts should be published as some of the ex foster children could pick these books up and recognise themselves.

[seaofyou]

Nana my mum has the book so can't check at the moment and I thought it was fiction from what I remember on back. Seeemed very real though and she is an experienced Foster carer. I will find out 100% and report back.

[caz2go]

Hi yes I would be interested to know for sure if they are true or not ,they are actually marketed as true stories .I have only got the kindle version so cant check on the back cover .
I have sort of wondered how she get away with writing these books due to the confidential nature of fostering , but they certainly read like they are true experiences . Will keep checking on here x

[scarlet5tyger]

I'm pretty sure Cathy Glass advertises her books as being true - she even puts her own children in them.

TBH I found the couple I read when I started fostering quite useful for learning the procedure but was quickly put off by the fact she does EVERYTHING so much "by the book" (eg refusing a Christmas present from a child's parent incase it's seen as bribery). She's also written a sort of Supernanny book which I really hated.

On the other hand, if the books ARE true then she's an amazing carer - I seriously doubt I'd be able to take on so many children as damaged as she has. But if I did, I wouldn't be writing about them either...

[NanaNina]

No Scarlet and neither would any other foster carer! I know I haven't read them but can almost tell by the cover that they are fiction - maybe she gets away with it by saying it's "based on fact" - incidentally are these books American. You mention that she has taken on so many damaged children, but there is a policy in most LAs in the UK that approval on a short term basis is a max of 3 children (and usually if they are sibs) though I know when desperate sws will "go over numbers" (if the carer is willing) to move from 1to 2 or 2 to 3, or even 3 to 4) If on a permanent basis obviously if carers ae suitable and willing to take on a large sibling group (3 or 4) then they can be approved.

Think I will buy the book as it isn't fair to make comments about the authenticity of the author if I haven't read them , but the fact remains that foster carers are simply not permitted to put in the public domain facts about children they have fostered (even if the names are changed.)

[queststarz]

Cathy Glass books are a great insight into what fostering can be like, she's a UK foster carer and has been for a while, according to her stories she fosters for an agency and generally only has 1 child in placement at a time.

They really are worth reading to give you an idea of the uncertanty of fostering e.g. contact, meetings, a phone call then no child showing up or social workers not getting back to you/cancelling at the last minute etc. She is very honest about the highs and lows of fostering too - she doesn't paint it all as a wonderful experience, where you 'fix' the kids that come into care.

From her website 'Cathy Glass has been a foster carer for over 20 years, during which time she has looked after approximately 100 children, of all ages and backgrounds. Her true-life stories show the suffering and courage of some of the most vulnerable children in our society and have world-wide appeal. Her books are also used by trainers and practitioners, working in childcare and child protection.'

I would be interested to know if they are based on truth or not though. I always assumed they were but that dates, names etc had been changed.

Either way i have all books and find them a compelling read.

[scarlet5tyger]

After reading this post I bought A Baby's Cry by Cathy Glass today and am already struggling to believe it, or enjoy it as much as I remember doing the others I read! For a start she kitted out the baby from Mothercare (including nappies, wipes, formula, toiletries, cot Mattress...). Maybe she simply has a lot of money but I don't know a single foster carer in real life who would use Mothercare rather than a supermarket for basic essentials. (She does write that her agency was reimbursing her for everything though - lucky her, if true! I'm sure they were thrilled she went to Mothercare rather than Tesco!)

Secondly she collected the baby herself, alone, from the hospital - with her support worker well aware that birth mother might be there. I have never known a child be placed without a social worker present.

Maybe I'm being cynical now the idea of this being someone making money out of selling a story has been raised, or maybe I just have more experience myself now. The book says its her 13th book though - is she planning to write about every child she fostered??

Nana Nina, I'd love to read your take on it. The cover claims in bold letters that this is the "true story" of the child but I simply don't see how it can be.

[Fosterangel]

Hmmm! Methinks that Cathy Glass is a little too contained and capable so is probably making it all up. She certainly bigs up her capabilities! I was surprised at how little support she needs for herself from anyone. Most foster carers would fall apart without good friends, partners, relatives and a good social worker as they keep you sane! If I wrote a book on my experiences (this will never happen by the way!) it would be filled with grateful thanks to friends and family for the sanity they bring.

[bonnieslilsister]

I agree with you fosterangel far too controlled and that made it actually a bit boring!!

[sweetns]

I started reading Cathy glass two weeks ago I finished all eleven of her books I than found Casey Watson and have read all the books shehas published and am waiting for her next book I have found their writings are so much a like that its almost as one person with just a few changes what with one being single and having an older son and younger daughter to one being married and having an older daughter and younger son but have found I couldn't put any of them down although the book Casey wrote when she was caring for Sophia I don't know how she did it, just reading it was an up and down expieriance that during her outburst I had to skip some of the pages as I felt so awful for Casey and her family! Both writers putting their true life expierences to paper has shown me the troubles and tribulations they have gone through and hoping the outcome brings a since of helping a child become a responsible and caring person brings tears to my eyes. The point program is one that I am currently researching and although I'm not a foster carer am hoping to implement in my children's lifes. So could I not only put these books down (which my husband is happy to have his nook reader back for a short time or until I get the next book lol) but they also inspire me to be a better parent

[Tilly28]

Just bought both books suggested above! :-) My partner and I are currently going through the assessment process for short break fostering (with a view to full time fostering at some point in the future!) Love a good read.