Neglected
Cathy Glass
Neglected tells the story of Jamey, two-and-a-half years old, and suffering from severe neglect. The police remove Jamey from home and take him to foster carer, Cathy. But as Jamey settles into Cathy’s home a new threat emerges and coronavirus changes everything. The book is 80,000 words long and will be ready for submission in September. It is narrated by the author and is her 26th fostering memoir and 41st book.
Jamey arrives at Cathy’s as an emergency two days before Christmas, having been left alone all night while his drug and alcohol dependent mother went out partying. Jamey is scared, small for his age, and unsteady on his feet, more like a baby, a result of being left for long periods in his cot which his mother used as a cage. When Cathy changes Jamey’s nappy she finds his bottom is red raw from being left in soiled nappies.
Jamey is quiet and withdrawn, he only knows a few words, far less than the average child his age. He is obedient, compliant, and grateful for anything. He never cries, sulks, or has tantrums like a two-year-old might, having learnt that his cries are never answered or his needs met. Neglect affects emotional and intellectual development as well as physical
Cathy meets Jamey’s mother and she is angry, agitated, and emaciated, and looks much older than her age - a result of years of substance misuse. Despite losing her only child into care she seems unable to change. Lacey, Jamey’s aunt, is also angry as she wanted Jamey to live with her. But there are questions about her past, and the social services need to assess her suitability to parent Jamey long term.
Slowly, with patience, love, care and understanding Jamey learns to trust Cathy and her adult daughter, Paula, the only one of Cathy’s children still living at home. Cathy also looks after her granddaughter, Emma, one day a week and although she is a year younger than Jamey she is more advanced, highlighting the damage neglect has done to Jamey in his early years.
Juxtaposed with Jamey’s story is the advance of Covid-19. When the country goes into lockdown many fostering practices change; meetings, visits and contact take place online which brings more problems. Referrals to the social services soar and Cathy accepts two more children short term. It isn’t until restrictions are lifted that Lacey’s assessment can be completed and the judge decides that Jamey can go to live with her where we know he will continue to thrive and be happy.
Book Details:
- Author: Cathy Glass
- Published Year: 2022
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Rights Sold
- UK: Harper Collins
Cathy Glass
Cathy has been a foster carer for over 25 years, during which time she has looked after more than 150 children, of all ages and backgrounds. She is a specialist foster carer, also referred to as a level three carer, which means she often looks after children with complex needs or those with very challenging behaviour. Much of her inspiration for writing comes from fostering. She was awarded a degree in education and psychology, as a mature student.
Cathy has always combined fostering with writing, rising very early every morning in order to write, before the day begins with her ever changi...
More about Cathy Glass
Book Reviews
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"Another outstanding book by Cathy Glass."
Barnes & Noble 5* review -
"A great read. "
Waterstones 5* review -
"I loved this book. A great insight into fostering during the pandemic. "
Amazon 5* review -
"As with all of Cathy's books, this one was brilliant. Thank you Cathy for sharing your stories of fostering with us and helping as many children as you do."
Amazon 5* review. -
"I am a huge fan of Cathy Glass and have all of her books. This particular book stands out because she reminds us what we all went through during the start of Covid. I think this book is a must read because it explains how difficult lockdown was for so many children in care and those who ended up in care due to lockdown."
Amazon 5* review -
"Always look forward to Cathy's next book and usually read within 48 hours. This was a lovely story, Jamey just wanted to be loved so much and Cathy and her family were able to provide that."
Amazon 5* review -
"Cathy Glass is a foster carer and writer. I enjoy her books and value the work she does."
Goodreads 5* review -
"Amazing is the best way to describe Cathy Glass."
Goodreads 5* review -
"I have read all of Cathy's books to date and they never fail to disappoint. This one was just as good as all of her other books. This story focuses on Jamey and how the pandemic affected Cathy and her family. "
Goodreads 5* review -
"As always, Cathy Glass tells what are truly harrowing stories with compassion, professionalism, warmth and love."
Goodreads 5* review. -
"A fantastic book … it was interesting to read how Cathy and her family coped with fostering in the pandemic."
Audible 5* review -
"Absolutely loved this book… addictive, gripping and emotional"
Audible 5* review -
"Excellent. Absolutely loved it albeit very sad! A great eye opener of strength and determination!"
Audible 5* review -
"Loved the book, opened my eyes on lockdown, never thought about all the poor children in care not been able to see their families face to face, plus all the poor children stuck inside abusive homes. Only made me think about it after reading your book"
Facebook comment -
"Fantastic book."
Facebook comment -
"Absolutely gripping."
Facebook comment -
"Just finished Neglected. It was so moving."
Twitter -
"Neglected is the first book of yours I’ve read. I will certainly be reading more."
Twitter -
"Inspirational. A tear-jerked, and tragic."
Bookbub 5* review. -
"Easy to read. Inspirational. Realistic."
Bookbub 5* review. -
"I’ve read almost all of Cathy Glass’s books. She is inspirational and puts her everything into caring for her foster children."
Bookbub 5* review