Foster Mom

Foster Mom by Francine Hardaway, published by iUniverse on March 18, 2004, is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities surrounding foster care. In this 184-page book, Hardaway shares her experiences as a middle-aged woman who, alongside her physician husband, becomes involved with an inner-city family struggling with the devastating effects of drug addiction. The narrative delves into the challenges they face, including the impact of suicide and disappointment, as they attempt to support two children—a teenage boy grappling with attachment disorder and a younger girl seeking attention through disruptive behavior.

Readers will find a candid examination of the foster care system and the profound effects of crack addiction on families. The book presents a critical perspective on the influence of intervention at various stages of a child’s life, highlighting the limitations of well-intentioned efforts in the face of systemic issues. Through her personal account, Hardaway sheds light on the realities of foster home care in the United States, making it a significant contribution to juvenile literature on this topic.