Overview

A USA TODAY BESTSELLER The Child Catcher is the true story of the fight to rescue the children confined to a violent and secretive institution in the rural South. Andrew Bridge’s bestselling memoir, Hope’s Boy, told the story of his survival after he was taken from his mother, who struggled with schizophrenia, and was left to foster care. Bridge was first confined at one of our country’s most notorious children’s institutions, MacLaren Hall. Now, in The Child Catcher, he chronicles his role in the longest-running, most bitterly fought mental health lawsuit in American history. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Bridge joined the small team of civil rights lawyers representing the children of the Eufaula Adolescent Center, a violent and secretive institution in the rural South, against the State of Alabama. Eufaula was a place Alabama had refused to surrender. Parents were lured into sending their children there, unable to get them back. Thousands of children went through Eufaula, just as thousands went through the institution that Bridge survived as a boy. The fight for justice led him through squatters’ camps in backwoods and into the lives of families caught in a permanent underclass. He sat with children as they struggled to explain what had gone wrong in their lives. In this David and Goliath battle, The Child Catcher is the story of Bridge’s personal redemption and the hope that justice for children is possible.

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“In the eighteen years between a child’s birth and high school graduation, 3.6 million children will enter foster care in the US. Andrew was one of those children. Then, he became a lawyer for them. By turns reflective and poignant, always keenly observed, Andrew tells the story of those he represented in foster care. Balancing triumph and loss, Andrew reminds us how King’s admonition that ‘injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’ applies distinctly to children, especially those in foster and related care systems.” -- <B>James Tucker</B>, Civil Rights Lawyer, State of Alabama “This gripping book explores the shadowed world of adolescent mental health institutions and the dark truths often found behind those doors. Admitted to one of these institutions at just six years old, Andrew Bridge survived and became the lawyer who fought to defend 120 children trapped in a remote institution in rural Alabama. Intimate, rigorous, and humble, The Child Catcher is both heart song and triumph.” -- <B>Melissa Bond</B>, Author, <I>Blood Orange Night: My Journey to the Edge of Madness</I> “Last year alone, 4.2 million young people experienced at least one night of homelessness in the United States. Through his own experiences, Andrew very personally and marvelously shows how institutions like Eufaula, and the perverse economic incentives they create, have driven us to a place where youth homelessness, hopelessness, and worse have become the accepted result of foster care. The Child Catcher is a rallying cry for action for today’s children and generations to come.” -- <B>Bill Bedrossian</B>, President & CEO, Covenant House International “Author Andrew Bridge’s ability to intertwine personal history with legal advocacy creates a compelling and emotionally resonant narrative that sheds light on many failures in foster care, and it’s rare to see such a brilliant balance of objective criticism and personally harrowing storytelling. Bridge’s narrative is clear and never overdone, but he does offer raw experiences from his own memoir and those of others with depth and compassion to make sure each point hits home on a real level. The vivid storytelling brings the harsh realities of institutional abuse into sharp focus, making the fight for justice both personal and universal at the same time. Those of us outside this world are sure to get a brilliant education in it from the level of detail in the book, as well as an empathetic view of what it’s like to suffer under negligent and harmful conditions, and have the state tell you that’s acceptable when it clearly never should be. The book’s message of resilience and hope in the face of overwhelming adversity is inspiring and Bridge's dedication to protecting vulnerable children is to be championed. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Child Catcher as an eye-opening, important read for all.” -- <B>Audrey Donegan, <I>Readers’ Favorite</I></B>

“In the eighteen years between a child’s birth and high school graduation, 3.6 million children will enter foster care in the US. Andrew was one of those children. Then, he became a lawyer for them. By turns reflective and poignant, always keenly observed, Andrew tells the story of those he represented in foster care. Balancing triumph and loss, Andrew reminds us how King’s admonition that ‘injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’ applies distinctly to children, especially those in foster and related care systems.” -- <B>James Tucker</B>, Civil Rights Lawyer, State of Alabama “This gripping book explores the shadowed world of adolescent mental health institutions and the dark truths often found behind those doors. Admitted to one of these institutions at just six years old, Andrew Bridge survived and became the lawyer who fought to defend 120 children trapped in a remote institution in rural Alabama. Intimate, rigorous, and humble, The Child Catcher is both heart song and triumph.” -- <B>Melissa Bond</B>, Author, <I>Blood Orange Night: My Journey to the Edge of Madness</I> “Last year alone, 4.2 million young people experienced at least one night of homelessness in the United States. Through his own experiences, Andrew very personally and marvelously shows how institutions like Eufaula, and the perverse economic incentives they create, have driven us to a place where youth homelessness, hopelessness, and worse have become the accepted result of foster care. The Child Catcher is a rallying cry for action for today’s children and generations to come.” -- <B>Bill Bedrossian</B>, President & CEO, Covenant House International “Author Andrew Bridge’s ability to intertwine personal history with legal advocacy creates a compelling and emotionally resonant narrative that sheds light on many failures in foster care, and it’s rare to see such a brilliant balance of objective criticism and personally harrowing storytelling. Bridge’s narrative is clear and never overdone, but he does offer raw experiences from his own memoir and those of others with depth and compassion to make sure each point hits home on a real level. The vivid storytelling brings the harsh realities of institutional abuse into sharp focus, making the fight for justice both personal and universal at the same time. Those of us outside this world are sure to get a brilliant education in it from the level of detail in the book, as well as an empathetic view of what it’s like to suffer under negligent and harmful conditions, and have the state tell you that’s acceptable when it clearly never should be. The book’s message of resilience and hope in the face of overwhelming adversity is inspiring and Bridge's dedication to protecting vulnerable children is to be championed. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Child Catcher as an eye-opening, important read for all.” -- <B>Audrey Donegan, <I>Readers’ Favorite</I></B> “Through the expert weaving together of his foster care childhood, the author conveys the significance of the continuous fight for children’s rights and the significance of redemption from the ashes of institutionalized injustice. The extensive research for The Child Catcher: A Fight for Justice and Truth by Andrew Bridge will undoubtedly spur thought and action. Its inspirational message of hope, faith, and perseverance in the face of extreme conditions will resonate with readers of all ages.” -- <b>Lily Andrews, </b><I>Reader Views</I>

“In the eighteen years between a child’s birth and high school graduation, 3.6 million children will enter foster care in the US. Andrew was one of those children. Then, he became a lawyer for them. By turns reflective and poignant, always keenly observed, Andrew tells the story of those he represented in foster care. Balancing triumph and loss, Andrew reminds us how King’s admonition that ‘injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’ applies distinctly to children, especially those in foster and related care systems.” -- <B>James Tucker</B>, Civil Rights Lawyer, State of Alabama “This gripping book explores the shadowed world of adolescent mental health institutions and the dark truths often found behind those doors. Admitted to one of these institutions at just six years old, Andrew Bridge survived and became the lawyer who fought to defend 120 children trapped in a remote institution in rural Alabama. Intimate, rigorous, and humble, The Child Catcher is both heart song and triumph.” -- <B>Melissa Bond</B>, Author, <I>Blood Orange Night: My Journey to the Edge of Madness</I> “Last year alone, 4.2 million young people experienced at least one night of homelessness in the United States. Through his own experiences, Andrew very personally and marvelously shows how institutions like Eufaula, and the perverse economic incentives they create, have driven us to a place where youth homelessness, hopelessness, and worse have become the accepted result of foster care. The Child Catcher is a rallying cry for action for today’s children and generations to come.” -- <B>Bill Bedrossian</B>, President & CEO, Covenant House International “Author Andrew Bridge’s ability to intertwine personal history with legal advocacy creates a compelling and emotionally resonant narrative that sheds light on many failures in foster care, and it’s rare to see such a brilliant balance of objective criticism and personally harrowing storytelling. Bridge’s narrative is clear and never overdone, but he does offer raw experiences from his own memoir and those of others with depth and compassion to make sure each point hits home on a real level. The vivid storytelling brings the harsh realities of institutional abuse into sharp focus, making the fight for justice both personal and universal at the same time. Those of us outside this world are sure to get a brilliant education in it from the level of detail in the book, as well as an empathetic view of what it’s like to suffer under negligent and harmful conditions, and have the state tell you that’s acceptable when it clearly never should be. The book’s message of resilience and hope in the face of overwhelming adversity is inspiring and Bridge's dedication to protecting vulnerable children is to be championed. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Child Catcher as an eye-opening, important read for all.” -- <B>Audrey Donegan, <I>Readers’ Favorite</I></B> “Through the expert weaving together of his foster care childhood, the author conveys the significance of the continuous fight for children’s rights and the significance of redemption from the ashes of institutionalized injustice. The extensive research for The Child Catcher: A Fight for Justice and Truth by Andrew Bridge will undoubtedly spur thought and action. Its inspirational message of hope, faith, and perseverance in the face of extreme conditions will resonate with readers of all ages.” -- <b>Lily Andrews, </b><I>Reader Views</I> “This book by Andrew Bridge is not just a memoir, but it is the voice of thousands of children who had to struggle for justice and truth. The Child Catcher: A Fight for Justice and Truth is a touching and inspiring story that not only makes readers aware of children’s rights but also inspires them to understand how many children are still being denied justice in our society.” -- <B>BookBelow</B> “The Child Catcher: A Fight for Justice and Truth is a beautifully written and inspiring read…. I recommend that everyone read it to understand the complex nature of foster care systems and to ensure that every child’s voice is heard.” -- <B>Book Nerdection</B>

“In the eighteen years between a child’s birth and high school graduation, 3.6 million children will enter foster care in the US. Andrew was one of those children. Then, he became a lawyer for them. By turns reflective and poignant, always keenly observed, Andrew tells the story of those he represented in foster care. Balancing triumph and loss, Andrew reminds us how King’s admonition that ‘injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’ applies distinctly to children, especially those in foster and related care systems.” -- <B>James Tucker</B>, Civil Rights Lawyer, State of Alabama “This gripping book explores the shadowed world of adolescent mental health institutions and the dark truths often found behind those doors. Admitted to one of these institutions at just six years old, Andrew Bridge survived and became the lawyer who fought to defend 120 children trapped in a remote institution in rural Alabama. Intimate, rigorous, and humble, The Child Catcher is both heart song and triumph.” -- <B>Melissa Bond</B>, Author, <I>Blood Orange Night: My Journey to the Edge of Madness</I> “Last year alone, 4.2 million young people experienced at least one night of homelessness in the United States. Through his own experiences, Andrew very personally and marvelously shows how institutions like Eufaula, and the perverse economic incentives they create, have driven us to a place where youth homelessness, hopelessness, and worse have become the accepted result of foster care. The Child Catcher is a rallying cry for action for today’s children and generations to come.” -- <B>Bill Bedrossian</B>, President & CEO, Covenant House International

Author Information

Andrew Bridge’s first book, Hope’s Boy, was a New York Times bestseller and a Washington Post Best Book of the Year. After growing up in foster care, Bridge began his legal career representing children in Alabama state psychiatric hospitals and mental health facilities. Later, he became the executive director of The Alliance for Children’s Rights in Los Angeles, where he worked to expand free legal services to children in foster care and poverty. Bridge is a founding director of the New Girls Academy School, California’s first all-girl college preparatory school for pregnant and parenting teens. He is also a cofounder of National Adoption Day. He currently serves on the Arizona Foster Care Review Board. A graduate of Wesleyan University and Harvard Law School, Bridge is a Fulbright Scholar and a resident at Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center. He lives with his partner, Dr. Scott Young of the Mayo Clinic, in Phoenix, Arizona.

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