Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1632049 in Books
• Published on: 2004-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 556 pages

Review
"Dr. Moriarty was there from the start…. [Her] book is an examination of legal and psychological issues...of the case." -- Jay Levine, CBS News

"One of the most infamous legal cases in Chicago... I would encourage you to get the book and read it!" -- Steve Cochran, WGN

"This is an important book, well-written, and the only one about this topic [the epic Baby Richard case]." -- Attorney and author Jeffery Leving

From the Publisher
BABY RICHARD—A FOUR-YEAR-OLD COMES HOME

"What ever happened to Baby Richard?" This exclusive, heartwarming narrative--about the mid-nineties case that became the most controversial custody battle in history--answers that question. Written by the child’s psychologist, it discloses the untold, intimate, and private side of the story about the baby who became the symbol of adoption gone tragically awry. How the four-year-old and his birth parents bonded and became a family—in spite of fierce opposition--will make you cry, laugh, get angry, and share the joy of their personal triumphs.

This landmark case for adoption and for fathers’ rights was debated across the country and in Europe, Canada, and Australia. Baby Richard raged through the courts at every level and led to new laws in thirty states. With her clients’ permission, Dr. Karen Moriarty--who donated her services to the child and his family--reveals this rare, behind-the-scenes view of the real people and their passions, struggles, defeats, and victories. Her book provides the exclusive update on all of the major players in the bitter conflict and on the child himself, his parents and sisters, including photographs.

Customer Reviews

children deserve to have rights
Children should have the ultimate say in who they want to live with,they should have rights too. He was told by his biological parents he was "stolen". With the advent of the internet I am sure he has learned the truth. As it turned out his biological dad didnt stick around long anyway, he left the family for another woman. Children should not suffer the pain of separation like that at a young age I am sorry but that has to deeply scar you for life. If his real father loved him he should have left him alone if he really cared about him; not hurting the child but no, it was all about HIM the selfish bastard...who left him anyway ....another painful adjustment for Baby Richard.

bias works both ways
The birth father of this poor boy was villified in the media merely for trying to get his son -- who was given up for adoption without his consent -- back. What parent wouldn't try to do that?

Given the overwhelming negative attention the father got, it might be worthwhile to read something that tells his story.

Karen Moriarty's biases
I think before people read this book they should be aware that this 'therapist' is hardly an impartial counselor. She had a strong anti-adoption bias from the start, so any testimony from her on how Baby Richard is doing is automatically suspect.