Another Mother’s Love by Karen Scott - A moving true story

 One troubled little boy.

A family with love to spare.

Their heartrending dilemma.

Auckland couple Karen Scott and Mark Finlay had successfully blended a large family but there was one thing missing. They desperately wanted to take in a child; a special someone to whom they could extend their love and offer a fresh start. Another Mother’s Love is Karen Scott’s heart-wrenching account of how she and her family opened their home and hearts to a sad, skinny five-year-old who was placed with them by Child, Youth and Family Services.

After almost two years on a waiting list for a permanent placement, in early 2011 Karen received a call from CYFS to say they had a child urgently needing a temporary home. Within a couple of hours, James (not his real name) arrived on their doorstep, with nothing more than the clothes he was wearing. Despite knowing almost nothing about the little boy entrusted to their care – privacy laws preclude CYFS from revealing details of foster children or their backgrounds – Karen and Mark and their children set about lavishing him with love, time and attention. They hoped it would be enough. But what followed was two years that would test them to the limit.

At times gentle, charming and affectionate, James also exhibited a range of troubling behaviours. When some of the family’s beloved pets started being harmed or disappearing, Karen and Mark were forced to confront the terrible truth – James could no longer stay with their family.

Another Mother’s Love is a deeply moving account of one woman’s attempt to reach out and nurture a child in need. Still grieving for the loss of her little boy, Karen hopes that by writing this book she can assist other foster families and help to change a system that, despite the best of intentions, often fails the very children it is trying to help.

“Thank you, my love, for all you taught me and for making me a better parent, a better person. For that I will always be grateful. I am so very sorry it wasn’t in time for you, my little man – that you will not benefit from all you taught me . . ... I know you have immense strength within you and that is something that can take you a long way in life. You have not had the best start in life; don’t let that be an excuse. Instead, accept it and use those harsh experiences to take you far.”  – ‘A Letter to James’, Another Mother’s Love by Karen Scott

Karen Scott grew up in South Auckland, trained as a nurse and worked as a model before backpacking around the world. Her travels led her to Australia, where she had two daughters. Returning to New Zealand as a newly single mother and needing a way to support herself and her pre-schoolers, Karen launched the parenting magazine Tots to Teens. 

Then she met Mark Finlay, owner of a national chain of childcare centres and a former All Black. They poured their hearts and souls into making a success of their blended family and their businesses. In 2011 Karen sold her business to be a stay-at-home mum. Between them, Karen and Mark have six children, ranging in age from six to twenty years old. They live on a lifestyle block near Auckland.