Forgotten Child

A new memoir from Sunday Times and New York Times best-selling author Cathy Glass tells the story of eight-year-old Aimee, who was on the child protection register at birth. Despite her five older siblings being taken into care many years ago, Aimee was left at home to suffer for so long, it seems she was forgotten by the social services.

When Cathy reads the referral for Aimee, she understands why a very experienced foster carer is needed. Despite her reservations, Cathy agrees to take Aimee in, as there is something about her that reminds Cathy of Jodie, the subject of 'Damaged' and the most disturbed child Cathy has cared for.

Upon arrival, Aimee is an angry child, and rightly so. She has spent the first eight years of her life living with her drug-dependent mother in a flat that the social worker described as 'not fit for human habitation'. However, Aimee is so grateful as she snuggles into her bed at Cathy's house on the first night that it brings Cathy to tears.

Aimee's aggressive mother is constantly causing trouble at contact, making sweeping allegations against Cathy and her family in front of her daughter. This makes it difficult for Aimee to settle, but as she begins to trust Cathy, she starts to open up. The more Cathy learns about Aimee's life before she came into care, the more horrified she becomes.

It is clear that Aimee should have been rescued much sooner, and as her journey seems to be coming to a happy end, Cathy can't help but reflect on all the other 'forgotten children' that are still suffering. She is determined to continue her work as a foster carer, providing a safe and nurturing environment for children like Aimee who have endured unimaginable hardships.

Cathy's memoir serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive child protection services and the importance of advocating for the most vulnerable members of our society. Through Aimee's story, she shines a light on the plight of the "forgotten children" and inspires us to do more to ensure that no child is left behind.

product information: