Tender Mercies: Inside the World of a Child Abuse Investigator

by Keith N. Richards

This first-person, emotional account of a child protection service worker in New York State gives the reader an intimate look at all aspects of handling child abuse interviewing parents who have been accused of abusing their children, talking to abused children removed from their parents' guardianship, working with an uncaring system ironically designed with the best of intentions, and keeping up with the mounds of paperwork each case generates. Lucid and disturbing, eloquent and passionate, Tender Mercies is a must-read for professionals and laypeople alike!

Genres: Memoir

293 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1991

Reviews

[hope gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read this for class, I couldn’t put it down though!!! It was a really hard read and some parts made my stomach hurt for those children, but it was a blunt and real perspective from a child abuse investigator.

[Margie B’s Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a good read for social workers and those who work with CPS. Keith Richards shares a lot of insight into the real world of a child abuse investigator.

[Rachel Vivio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's be honest, I had to read this book for a class. But, overall, I didn't hate reading it; it definitely had it's moments. Richards seems a bit self-absorbed at times, and yes, he complains quite a bit. But who can blame him? His job really sucks, as you will quickly discover once reading this book. He basically deals with families that have abused or neglected their child(ren) in some way, and it's hardly ever a situation that is anything but bad. Some of the stories that he tells about the kids he encountered while on the job are just horrific; they make you want to hug the next kid you see and never let go, just so they know that they are loved.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you are considering getting into social work and/or CPS. If you're not, don't put yourself through the pain of reading this book. Not because it is not well written or anything, but because reading about kids getting abused and neglected is in no way fun or entertaining.