This book was written as a result of the author and his wife spending several years providing for kids who needed a home. There are many, many books written on the subject of Òat riskÓ children and/or foster children. Most, if not all, are written by clinical psychologists or other Ôpeople of learningÕ who believe that they are child advocates. NOT THIS ONE! This one tells it like it really is! After the mandatory hours of ÔtrainingÕ (which were not needed because of raising four birth children and a teenager the boys had adopted) the author and his wife began accepting foster children.
The book describes how the foster parent feels about raising foster children (and birth children). He relates from the experiences of a foster dad rather than from a clinical slant. The information, of course, applies to birth children, as well. Much information is presented to assist parents in dealing with the problems of puberty. Case studies are included as well as poems from one of the foster girls and a diary from another foster parent about her dealings with two foster children.
The sequel to this book is entitled: 'Never Underestimate the Arrogance or Stupidity of Government' and covers a case in which the foster parents sued Child Protective Services for mistreatment of them as foster parents and one of their foster children. It cost them $10,000 and they were sure they would lose, but they wanted to make a statement about the screwed up system.
About the Author: Chuck Slate, the author, was born in Connecticut. He and his wife Marilyn were married in December 1950. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in the year 2000. The plans were to spend their 50th anniversary in Australia and New Zealand. They returned from that trip just before the publishing of his second book. They renewed their marriage vows in front of the Captain of the cruise ship. At this point in time they have been married 57 years.
Marilyn and Chuck have four birth children, three boys (including twins) and a girl. Chuck joined IBM in August 1956 and retired in September 1983. The family moved several times because of Chuck's job. They have lived in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia. They finally settled in Culpeper, VA and were there for over 20 years before moving to Wake Forest, NC to be nearer their children. Marilyn and Chuck also spent six months in England on temporary assignment.
Chuck has retired from three different disciplines and has held jobs that range from dairy farming and electronic diagnostic design to operating his own business. Since he last retired in 1991, Chuck and Marilyn have volunteered for a number of non-profit organizations. They also provided a home for foster children from 1992 through 2001, sometimes taking more than one at a time. The number of foster care placements during their fostering career was sixty.
Chuck's first published book was entitled 'There Are No Bad Kids (Just Bad Parents).' He also published several other books entitled 'Never Underestimate the Arrogance or Stupidity of Government, ' 'Hillary - America's First Dictator' and this new one entitled 'The Demise of America (As We KNEW It)' can be ordered directly from Trafford (www.trafford.com) or from his website www.iwishihaditmyway.com.
Chuck would be happy to hear from you. He can be reached by e-mail at chuckslate@hotmail.comor through the links on www.iwishihaditmyway.com.
