Although Jodie is only eight years old, she is violent, aggressive, and has already been through numerous foster families. Her last hope is Cathy Glass.
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At the Social Services office, Cathy (an experienced foster carer) is pressured into taking Jodie as a new placement. Jodie's challenging behaviour has seen off five carers in four months. Despite her reservations, Cathy decides to take on Jodie to protect her from being placed in an institution.
Jodie arrives, and her first act is to soil herself, and then wipe it on her face, grinning wickedly. Jodie meets Cathy's teenage children, and greets them with a sharp kick to the shins. That night, Cathy finds Jodie covered in blood, having cut her own wrist, and smeared the blood over her face.
As Jodie begins to trust Cathy her behaviour improves. Over time, with childish honesty, she reveals details of her abuse at the hands of her parents and others. It becomes clear that Jodie's parents were involved in a sickening paedophile ring, with neighbours and Social Services not seeing what should have been obvious signs.
Unfortunately Jodie becomes increasingly withdrawn, and it's clear she needs psychiatric therapy. Cathy urges the Social Services to provide funding, but instead they decide to take Jodie away from her, and place her in a residential unit.
Although the paedophile ring is investigated and brought to justice, Jodieβs future is still up in the air. Cathy promises that she will stand by her no matter what β her love for the abandoned Jodie is unbreakable.
Review
'Cannot fail to move those who read it.' Adoption-netβHeartbreaking.' The MirrorβA truly harrowing read that made me cry.β The Sun'A true tale of hope. *.' OK!βFoster carers rarely get the praise they deserve, but Cathy Glassβs book should change all that. *β First MagazineβA hugely touching and emotional true tale.β Star Magazine
About the Author
Cathy Glass has been a foster carer for over 20 years, during which time she has looked after more than 50 children, of all ages and backgrounds. Cathy runs training courses on fostering for her local Social Services, and helps draft new fostering procedures and guidelines. Cathy has three teenage children of her own; one of whom was adopted after a long-term foster placement. David Haviland is an experienced journalist and ghostwriter as well as being a freelance script editor for a number of leading film and television companies.