Adam Ferner's short, engaging book explores the ethical dimensions of childcare in a world riven by conflict, inequality and the climate emergency. He argues that widespread attitudes towards biological parenthood contribute to these worsening crises and he examines the liberatory potential of foster-care and adoption.

Written in a clear and jargon-free style, the book is also informed by Ferner's extensive experience as a youth worker, child-minder and child support worker. He foregrounds the concerns of young people largely marginalised by society, and argues against the prevailing orthodoxy that hope is a necessary element of childcare. The book challenges us to look afresh at our everyday notions of parenthood, childcare and reproduction and to question the dominant ethos of the family.

Adam Ferner is a freelance writer and child support worker living in North London. He has a PhD in philosophy from Birkbeck and has written several books on the practical benefits of thinking philosophically as well as a collection of philosophical horror stories.