Unwanted: The Care System Failed Lara. Will She Fail Her Own Child by Cathy Glass - Non Fiction - Paperback
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Title:
Unwanted: The care system failed Lara. Will she fail her own child by Cathy Glass
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780008584429
Overview:
Unwanted: The care system failed Lara. Will she fail her own child by Cathy Glass is a gripping, true-life memoir that pulls back the curtain on a vulnerable family navigating safeguarding and foster care. Lara has fled an abusive relationship, bringing her one-year-old son, Arthur, to the attention of an experienced foster carer, Cathy Glass. Arthur faces serious safeguarding concerns, and Cathy must stay with Lara and Arthur around the clock to ensure their safety, teaching Lara the essential caregiving skills while monitoring every interaction. The book centers on raw, intimate moments—Lara’s love for her son, her ongoing trauma, and the hard work of putting Arthur’s needs first. Cathy’s professional insight sits beside a deeply human narrative as Lara learns to balance protection with nurture. This is not sensationalism; it is a candid examination of resilience, accountability, and the fragile hope that a mother can change for her child. Readers will be drawn into the day-to-day realities of safeguarding, the emotional weight of potential separation, and the quiet breakthroughs that can change a life.
What Makes This Book Stand Out:
What makes this book stand out is Cathy Glass’s rare combination of clinical expertise and unflinching empathy. The narrative offers an unvarnished look at the complexities of the care system from the perspective of a seasoned foster carer, a perspective many readers rarely access. It foregrounds the tension between trauma and responsibility, showing how small, consistent steps—learning to care for Arthur’s needs, establishing routines, building trust—can slowly recalibrate a relationship that began under duress. The writing brings authenticity to every scene, from the quiet, daily supervision to the moment of breakthrough when Lara begins to prioritise Arthur’s welfare. By centering Lara’s humanity without excusing a lack of care, the book invites readers to consider safeguarding, support networks, and the genuine, imperfect work of parenting under pressure. The result is a thoughtful, emotionally resonant exploration of family, duty, and hope within the UK care framework.
Who This Book Is Perfect For:
This powerful memoir is ideal for adult readers who seek true stories about foster care, safeguarding, and the human side of social work. It will resonate with fans of non-fiction, crime-adjacent narratives, and family memoirs, as well as educators, social workers, and anyone interested in the realities behind headlines about child protection. Gift buyers looking for impactful, compassionate true-life storytelling will find a compelling, heart-fronted read. It’s also well-suited for book clubs exploring themes of resilience, accountability, and the practicalities of parenting under challenging circumstances.
Key Highlights:
- Harsh yet humane true-life account of safeguarding and foster care
- Intimate look at a mother’s struggle to protect her child
- Expert perspective from a seasoned foster carer
- Balanced portrayal of trauma, responsibility, and change
- Insight into the day-to-day realities of the care system
- Compassionate storytelling that respects all parties involved
About the Author:
Cathy Glass is a British author and former foster carer whose non-fiction memoirs offer intimate, firsthand insight into fostering, child protection, and the complexities of safeguarding vulnerable children. With decades of frontline experience, she writes with clarity and empathy, translating difficult, real-life cases into accessible, thought-provoking narratives. Her work is widely read by those seeking to understand the human impact of social services, parenting under stress, and the quiet courage involved in caring for children who arrive with histories of trauma.
Why You’ll Love This Book:
You’ll value the book for its honest, non-sensational portrayal of a child’s safety and a mother’s capacity to change. The narrative combines gripping realism with emotional sensitivity, offering both suspense and insight in equal measure. It’s a compelling reminder that safeguarding is a shared, ongoing effort, and that real progress can begin with small, consistent acts of care. Perfect for readers who want a meaningful, responsible true-life story that informs, moves, and stays with you long after you finish the last page.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
