Bending the Rules

by Lizzie Scott

We had learned quite early in our fostering career to bend a few rules…but had never so blatantly broken them until we met Steve, a hard drinking, smoking, insecure man…who was the father of Jake and Sam. Two little boys joined our family when the bitter winter weather was still chilling our bones and their dad was absolutely destitute, no home, no money and no hope of getting his children back with a social worker who seemed to be a bit of a ladies man and favoured their mother. Steve was the second father we had met that would do anything and everything to get his children home…once he had managed to clean himself up and convince the department of Social Services that he would stay off the drink, stay away from women and that he intended to raise his sons in a happy and safe family home. We had to bend a few rules...then break a couple of them in order to help keep this family together…the rewards are immeasurable and, until now, I guess no-one but us and our nearest and dearest (and of course Elizabeth) knew how far we were willing to go to make sure that the right outcome for this placement happened in the end. This placement more than any other we have had, taught me that the determination that one man can have to save his family, against the determination of a department that knows he can’t is a powerful thing, and love really can conquer all.

182 pages, Paperback

First published April 18, 2015

Reviews

[Kelly Furniss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting case study on two boys who come in to foster carer Lizzie's care.
Yet again I enjoyed the insightful information and learnt a lot.
The book title became evident as the story was told and it truly made you realise how different every case could be and how the carers respond differently, the battle of personal emotions and safeguarding rules must be constant in some cases.
One thing that shines through is just how caring this author and her Husband are and what a good job foster carers do. I was in awe of how life was juggled and the calm approach if at the drop of a hat plans changed or the amount of children they had!.
A thought provoking book which I enjoyed.

[Debbie Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insight

You can always follow the written knowledge or direction when it comes to children or parents. lizzie and Howard use these directions as a guide BUT use there own gut , heartfelt instincts as a guide also.💕 You two are remarkable! The children you have touched is possibly the best time in there lives sadly. Thank you once again for being there for a much larger child that need your influence! Wonderful book I loved it!

[Janet East · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bending the rules.

A good account of fostering placements and how they can affect both chi!from and adults. Short book. Wasn't the best book i have read by far.

[Elizabeth Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent book, but didn’t keep my interested as much as the others.