Misplaced Childhood - by Joan Ulsher (Paperback)

About the Book

One woman's powerful journey into child advocacy. Lived experiences of child abuse, trauma, and foster care provide purpose for this volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in foster care. 5-Star Reader's Favorite Book Badge.

Book Synopsis

After foster care, Joan is returned home and subjected to more abuse. How can she be saved?

Misplaced Childhood chronicles one woman's powerful journey to overcome a tragic past and use her "lived experiences" to inspire others. Wounded by poverty, child abuse, and foster care, Joan Ulsher discovers a purpose-filled life through military service and faith in God. This transformational journey of survival and then triumph ultimately leads Joan to become a fierce volunteer advocate for children in foster care, despite not having a dedicated advocate as a child herself. Misplaced Childhood introduces readers to the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) model, where Joan continues exploring childhood memories while highlighting her exceptional advocacy journey shaped by the children whose lives are impacted along the way.

With its candid look at child welfare and advocacy alongside a personal narrative of healing, Misplaced Childhood opens up new levels of compassion for children suffering from abuse and neglect. Impeccably researched and told with great transparency, empathy, and vulnerability, Misplaced Childhood will inspire readers to embrace the vulnerable inner child in us all and take action for America's forgotten children.

This book contains language about family dysfunction and generational trauma.

Review Quotes

"It is rare to read a book so vulnerable and courageous. Joan shares her life story in this utterly compelling read. Joan describes her devastating childhood and connected events as an adult in a raw, gripping way. I guarantee you will not be able to put Misplaced Childhood down..."

-Angela White, President & CEO, Child Advocates San Antonio

"...In addition to trauma, Joan also discusses resiliency, the power of love, faith, and purpose in a way that is insightful, educational, and inspirational...I hope many feel called to become CASA volunteers..."

-Vicki Spriggs, CEO, Texas CASA

"Misplaced Childhood is both a deep dive into how the author survived years of horrifying abuse at the hands of her parents...and how she turned her pain into advocacy by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). She understands what is happening from the inside out and inspires others to join the cause."

-Gay Courter, The New York Times Bestselling Author, I Speak For This Child: True Stories of a Child Advocate

"...Misplaced Childhood may make you weep. It may also be the smelling salts that jumpstart your mind and body to take a look outside your small world...it is important for young people to be aware of the need that is out there, and for them to know that they are not alone."

-Erin Nicole Cochran for Readers' Favorite, 5-Star Review

"...I feel more inspired to make a greater difference in the lives of others."

-MJ Leigh, Foster Care Alumni

"...By facing the darkness, Joan empowers youth impacted by the foster system or juvenile justice system to find their voices to advocate for themselves and others, no longer silent, no longer ashamed of their traumas ..."

-Josey Garcia, Foster Care Alumni, Retired USAF Veteran, and Texas State Representative

"...If you would like to change children's lives for the better as Joan has, Misplaced Childhood is a must!"

-Holly Elissa Bruno, Bestselling Author, Happiness Is Running Through the Streets to Find You: Translating Trauma's Harsh Legacy into Healing

"From heart-wrenching to heartwarming...This well-written book on a very serious subject will give you insights and ideas that can help you reach out and speak up for the child next door, because oftentimes, that is as far as you have to go to find a child in need."

-Yolanda Bryant, Author, One Child at a Time: The Mission of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

"...a gift of the heart that highlights the power of love, advocacy, and resilience..."

-The Honorable Peter Sakai, Bexar County Judge

"...courageous honesty and refreshing insight..."

-John Witte, Founder of The Istoria Project

"This entire book hooks you from the beginning... A must-read for people interested in child welfare and advocacy."

-Ruchi Davis, Children's Court Manager, Bexar County, Texas

"...This book is an instrument for changing lives!"

-Michele Jech, Executive Pastor, CityChurch, San Antonio

"...an inspirational narrative that helps anyone with lived experience in foster care beat the odds and triumph...A must-read for all those considering volunteering as CASA or GAL advocates..."

-Airika Crawford, LLMSW, Project Director, Bexar County Fostering Educational Success Program