A heartrending and unforgettable memoir of an unlikely journey to parenthood through America’s broken foster care system.

What does it take to keep a child safe?

As a long-time strategist and activist fighting for better outcomes for foster children, Mark Daley thought he had the answer. But when Ethan and Logan, an adorable infant and a precocious toddler, entered into their lives, Mark and his husband Jason quickly realized they were not remotely prepared for the uncertainty and complication of foster parenting.

Every day, seven hundred children enter the foster care system in the United States, and thousands more live on the brink. Safe offers a deeply personal window into what happens when the universal longing for family crashes up against the unique madness and bureaucracy of a child protection system that often fails to consider the needs of the most vulnerable parties of all—the children themselves. Daley takes us on a roller coaster ride as he and Jason grapple with Ethan and Logan’s potential reunification with their biological family, learn brutal lessons about sacrifice, acceptance, and healing, and face the honest, heartbreaking, and sometimes hilarious challenges of becoming a parent at the intersection of intergenerational trauma, inadequate social support, and systemic issues of prejudice.

(2024, hardcover, 304 pages)

Staff Member Review

Safe is a truly inspiring story about Mark and Jason, a loving couple who bravely decided to become foster parents. This heartwarming book takes readers on their journey, filled with joyful moments and challenging experiences. 

Mark shares his honest and open perspective on the ups and downs of foster care. He explains that providing a loving home for children in need can be incredibly rewarding, but he acknowledges that there can be challenges along the way.

Throughout the book, you’ll witness the incredible love and care that Mark and Jason provide for the children in their care. It beautifully demonstrates the importance of creating a safe, nurturing environment where every child feels loved and valued. Mark and Jason share the incredible power of compassion, empathy, and healing throughout their fostering journey.

Safe is an insightful and beautifully written book for the whole family. It celebrates the diverse and beautiful ways families can look and shows how unconditional love and kindness can transform a child’s life.  

Whether you are a licensed foster parent or considering becoming one, I highly recommend Safe to anyone who believes in the power of family and wants to learn more about the incredible work of foster parents. It’s a touching and inspiring story that will stay with you long after you finish reading. 

Author: Mark Daley
ISBN: 978-1-6680-0878-2
Count: 1