Cathy Glass - Neglected

Certain details in this story, including names, places and dates, have been changed to protect the familys privacy.

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First published by HarperElement 2022

FIRST EDITION

Cathy Glass 2022

Cover design HarperCollinsPublishers 2022

Cover photograph Sveta Butko/Trevillion Images (posed by models)

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Cathy Glass asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work

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Source ISBN: 9780008507503

Ebook Edition February 2022 ISBN: 9780008507510

Version: 2022-01-12

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A big thank you to my family; my editors, Kelly and Holly; my literary agent, Andrew; my UK publisher HarperCollins, and my overseas publishers who are now too numerous to list by name. Last, but definitely not least, a big thank you to my readers for your unfailing support and kind words. They are much appreciated.

The definition of neglect is a lack of care resulting in a childs needs not being met. It is a form of abuse and sadly summed up little Jameys life.

Chapter One

It was 23 December, just before Christmas, and I was on the sofa in my living room trying to comfort two-year-old Jamey while listening to his social worker and her colleague. Jamey was curled on my lap, his head resting against my chest and his hands covering his face in an attempt to block out what was happening to him. Every so often he stifled a sob. The poor boy was traumatized, and I was doing my best to soothe him as his social worker, Shannon, brought me up to date and her colleague, Nathan a trainee social worker took some notes.

Jamey had been removed from his home a short while before, after his mother, Kat, had left him alone in his cot all night while she went to a Christmas party. It wasnt the first time she had neglected her child. The social services had been monitoring her for some months and had also put in place support with the hope that Jamey could stay with her. It hadnt worked; her only child was now in foster care and would be living with me for the foreseeable future. It was sad even more so because it was just before Christmas.

Jamey had only just returned home from staying with his aunt Lacey, Shannon continued. The first night he went back home, his mother goes out partying, leaving him alone from nine oclock. Social workers are rarely judgemental, but I could hear the condemnation in her voice. Shannon was an experienced social worker who came across as efficient and forthright. Lacey raised the alarm and let us in. Kat was still asleep. Lacey had found Jamey in his cot, sopping wet, thirsty and hungry. Shed changed him and given him something to eat and drink by the time we arrived. Kat is very angry and upset, and is blaming her sister for informing us, but its not her fault.

I nodded.

Ill set up contact for Kat to see Jamey tomorrow. When a child first comes into care its usual to arrange contact straight away.

Its a pity Jamey couldnt have stayed with his aunt, I suggested. A suitable relative is generally considered the next best option if a child cant live with their parents. Its also the cheapest for the social services.

She wants Jamey to live with her and is angry with me for bringing him into care. Shes going to find a lawyer and apply for guardianship. Shes looked after him quite a bit in the past, but it was an informal arrangement.

So why hasnt he gone to her now? I asked.

Jameys mother, Kat, doesnt want her sister to have him and says shes got issues of her own. If Lacey puts in an application to foster him, well assess her. A social services assessment is often required even though its a relative.

And Jameys father? I asked. Shannon had emailed the Essential Information Forms, but I hadnt had a chance to read them as Jamey had been moved at very short notice.

He never sees him, although well try to inform him that Jamey is in care.

Jamey whimpered and I held him closer.

Are you all right, love? I asked, moving his hands slightly away from his face so I could see him. He moved them back again. Do you like the Christmas tree? I asked, tempting him to look. Our house was festively decorated ready for Christmas, although I knew the Christmas spirit would be in very short supply in Jameys world right now. Hed just been taken from the only family he knew and brought to live with a stranger.

Hes wearing a nappy, I said to Shannon. Is he not toilet trained yet? Jamey was two and a half years old an age when a lot of children are using the toilet or a potty, so it was something I needed to know.

No, Shannon confirmed. His aunt has packed some nappies and clothes, but you will need to buy some more.

OK. The bag theyd arrived with was in the hall.

Theres a security blanket in there too, but it needs a wash, Shannons colleague, Nathan, said.

I wonder if it would help Jamey if he had it now, I said, thinking aloud.

Ill get it, Nathan replied, standing.

He left the living room and reappeared a few moments later carrying not so much a blanket as a grubby piece of cloth that might have once been white but was now grey and chewed around the edges. However, as I gave it to Jamey he pushed it to his face and, eyes screwed shut, began sucking on one corner. The smell and texture would be familiar to him, and no matter how disgusting it might appear to me, it gave him some comfort. I would wash it in time.

As we talked about Jamey I asked Shannon if he was allergic to anything or taking any medication. She said as far as they knew he wasnt. She completed the paperwork that allowed me to foster Jamey and then said shed have a look around the house before they went. Its usual for the childs social worker to check the foster carers home when they place a child, and also at most subsequent visits. Ill phone you with the time of contact tomorrow, she added. Itll be at the Family Centre. You know where that is?

Yes.

Would you like to see the house too? I asked Jamey, as Shannon and Nathan stood.

He kept his eyes closed and the rag in his mouth and shook his head, so I stayed with him in the living room while the social workers looked around the house.

Its going to be all right, love, I told Jamey quietly as I cuddled him. His eyes remained tightly shut.