CHILD PROTECTION BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Jo Cooling
GENRE: Nonfiction
BLURB:
In the beginning, a tragic event started me on my journey to a destination and my love for helping children of all ages and their families.
However, what I was not prepared for was that the people who assisted me and paved the way for my advancement in my chosen career in Child Protection were the same people who tried to bring me down.
This book will give you insight into what it is like to work in Child Protection. It will show you the difficulties and sometimes dangers workers face on a daily basis. Furthermore, the novel will also highlight the satisfaction you get when you can assist a child and their family through a traumatic event.
My career at Child Protection spanned nearly a decade, and during that time, I was bullied by management. I observed management bully other workers; I was also aware of workers consuming drugs, both outside work hours and during work hours.
This novel is a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens at Child Protection when the public is not watching or listening.
Child Protection is not an easy career path, but it can be a good job if you like long hours, have a thick skin, keep your head down, keep your mouth shut, and abide by everything that management wants you to do, even when you know it is wrong or unfair.
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Interview with Jo Cooling
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
When I have a story in my head, I am really energized and can sit at my computer for hours, tapping away as the words flow through my fingertips. The process of writing is exhilarating when inspiration strikes, and I feel a surge of creativity. However, there are times when writing can be exhausting, especially when I'm struggling to find the right words or when the story isn't coming together as I envisioned. During these moments, I step away from my desk and engage in other activities to clear my mind. Taking a break allows me to recharge, and soon enough, another story or idea comes to mind, reigniting my passion and energy for writing.
I love baking so when I am not writing I am usually in the kitchen whipping up a batch of cookies or cupcakes.
What is the first book that made you cry?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The poignant portrayal of innocence, injustice, and moral growth through the eyes of Scout Finch touched me deeply and left a lasting impact. The way the story explores themes of racial inequality and the loss of innocence is profoundly moving. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Being dyslexic, my spelling and grammar weren't my strongest suits initially. However, after working with Tellwell, my spelling and grammar have significantly improved. The presentation of my writing has become more polished, and I now have greater confidence in my abilities. This experience has shown me that with the right support and determination, I can overcome challenges and succeed in my writing journey.
Publishing my first book also taught me the importance of editing and revising, and I learned to be more patient and meticulous with my work.
What do you owe the real people upon whom you base your characters?
Every person in my book is real and deserves to be treated with utmost respect. Their stories are the heart and soul of my work. Therefore, keeping their identities private was essential, while it was also important to share their experiences and bravery while being clients of Child Protection. As Miss Daisy eloquently put it when I asked, “How come you decided to work with Child Protection after 14 years?” she responded, “Because you treated me like a human being.” Her words inspire me to continue honouring the real-life heroes whose lives shape my narratives.
Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc. come from?
Honestly, I can’t pinpoint exactly where it came from. I think it has always been a part of me. Recently, my mum gave me a box of books from my primary school days, and among them was a book where I had written a story about the well-known cat and mouse duo, ‘Tom and Jerry’. It was fascinating to see that even as a child, I was creating my own narratives. This discovery reaffirmed that my passion for storytelling has been with me for as long as I can remember. I also used to participate in debates, which really helped in building my confidence and ability in writing. Debating taught me to articulate my thoughts clearly and think critically, skills that have been invaluable in my writing journey.
What do you like to read in your free time?
Spare time is something I have very little of. Between marketing my first book, keeping up with social media commitments, managing the demands of my baking business, and working on my second novel, I rarely have time to sit down with a nice cup of tea and a book. However, I have started re-reading two books that I really loved the first time I read them. One is the non-fiction book Don't Let Her See Me Cry by Helen Barnacle. This book is based in Australia and aligns with my own work, addressing the harsh realities and impact of drug addiction.
It also highlights the incredible achievements that can be made when people come together for a common goal.
The other book is Worst Case by James Patterson, which is part of a series. This book is set in America and follows a detective navigating his cases while trying to balance his work life with his family life. Despite my busy schedule, these books provide a much-needed escape and serve as a reminder of why I love storytelling so much.
Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
I was extremely shocked when I was contacted by a previous Supervisor from Child Protection, who went on to tell me that after I had left work Management directed that all staff were to immediately cease contact me. However, the worker was unable to tell me why this directive was given.
This is a Child Protection case; however, it is not one of my cases. It happened to a neighbor of mine only a few years ago.
My friend, who I will refer to as Tom, separated from his wife. They had one child, Sarah, who was approximately six years old. I was not aware of any concerns between the parents. Then, one day, when Tom and I were talking, he dropped a bombshell.
Tom informed me that Child Protection had become involved. Tom went on to tell me that during his access visit, the mother telephoned Sarah and convinced her to leave the safety of the father’s house (who lives on a main highway), walk through a high school, and meet her at the park.
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I said to Tom, “Did you tell Child Protection that the mother pressured Sarah to walk on a busy highway through a school to a park area? Because that is seriously placing a child’s safety at risk. She could have been abducted, raped or even killed.” Tom replied that he would tell his solicitor. Tom went on to say, that Child Protection has also accused him of physically abusing Sarah and being a drug addict.
I have observed Tom and Sarah on many occasions, and I can assure you Sarah never had any injuries. Furthermore, she never presented as fearful of her dad; she was always happy during her access visits. Our properties backed off one another, and I often heard Sarah playing and laughing with her dad and stepmother in the backyard.
I never heard yelling, screaming or abusive language and I am out the back a lot with my dogs.
Tom would often come and speak to me about his problems with Child Protection, and I don’t know whether the worker was young and inexperienced or just incompetent, but I advised Tom to speak to his lawyer as it appeared as though the decisions being made by Child Protection were unfounded and biased towards the father.
I will give you an example. The mother made allegations that Tom was a marijuana user. Now, allegations can be made, but that’s all they are— allegations. You must have grounds or evidence to prove the allegations are true.
Tom told me that the Child Protection worker said to him, “Your eyes are bloodshot. I believe you’re high on marijuana.” What a joke! There could be many reasons why someone has bloodshot eyes: they could be tired, they could have hay fever, they could have an eye infection, or have a cold.
If Tom had bloodshot eyes in conjunction with, being unsteady on his feet, slurred speech, or had a Child Protection history identifying drug abuse, then you could make the assumption that he might be high on drugs.
I need to mention that when Child Protection initially accused Tom of being a drug addict, he immediately went to the doctor and did a drug screen, which was negative.
I do know that Child Protection would not accept this as concrete evidence, given that it was not supervised. However, I think it shows that Tom had nothing to hide because I have never known any parent to go and voluntarily do a drug screen without being asked to do one. By the way, drug screens are not cheap.
The worker requested that Tom do supervised drug screens, which he did. It needs to be said that Tom did about ten supervised drug screens, which were all clean. When Child Protection requests drug screens, they usually request that they are done on a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and if it is warranted, may also request on-the-spot urine screens. However, marijuana can be detected in a urine test up to 90 days after it is last used; therefore, it was clearly not necessary for the Child Protection worker to continually request Tom do drug screens.
I would also like to mention that Tom had a pacemaker due to a heart condition and did not take drugs, smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol.
Ten clean screens would usually indicate that a person is probably not consuming marijuana, but not to this worker; she would phone up and demand that Tom leave his job and go and do screens. It also needs to be said that the worker would pick times that would not allow Tom much time to get to the clinic before it closed. So, if he didn’t make it, the court report would indicate that he failed to complete the requested drug screen.
What I find very interesting is Tom and his current wife had a baby and Child Protection didn’t become involved with that baby. I will leave this thought with you. Why, if Child Protection is so worried about Tom’s supposed drug use and violence towards Sarah, were they not involved with the new baby?
Towards the end of 2022, Child Protection was unable to substantiate the protective concerns and therefore ceased their involvement (or rather, the matter was dropped) with Tom and his family. Tom sold his property and moved to the country. I hope Tom can rebuild his relationship with his daughter.
It really pisses me off when parents make false allegations and use children as pawns in their game to gain the upper hand in a divorce hearing. In this instance, it is possible that Sarah’s mother was jealous that Tom had moved on and had another child. Therefore, making a false report would make problems for Tom and his new family.
It really angers me that, in this case, all Child Protection managed to do was damage the relationship between the father and the child.
The person I met After the Completion of My book
After completing my book, I took my mum to a local market. The bright colours of a particular stall caught my eye, and I wandered over for a closer look. After purchasing a Miss Piggy coffee coaster, I started chatting with Beck, the business owner. I am a big believer in the saying, ‘You meet people for a reason.’
I wrote Child Protection Behind Closed Doors not to make money or gain fame, but to bring attention to and advocate for changes in a broken system. During our conversation, I mentioned my book to Beck, and she informed me that her husband works in politics. What a stroke of good luck!
Even though I already had the contact details of the politicians I planned to send letters to, it was incredibly reassuring to know I now had someone who could review my letters before sending them. This just reinforced my belief that people come into our lives for a reason. Beck’s support has been invaluable in ensuring my message reaches the right ears, and her enthusiasm for my cause has given me additional motivation to push for the changes that are so desperately needed. Meeting Beck was a serendipitous encounter that highlighted the importance of community and support in the journey of advocacy and storytelling.
Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre? If you write more than one, how do you balance them?
I worked for Child Protection for nearly 10 years, and during that time, I witnessed some deeply concerning behaviors. After I left work for medical reasons, I decided to start writing about what I had seen and, most importantly, what I had endured within the organization that should be protecting and supporting their workers.
My writings didn't turn into a book until after I received a phone call from a supervisor who informed me that, after I left, Child Protection Management directed workers to cease all contact with me. I couldn’t believe that at my lowest point—having to leave my job, losing my independence (not being able to drive)—Child Protection Management would also take away my lifeline. That’s when I decided the public deserved to know what really goes on behind closed doors.
My first book tackles a heavy topic, whereas my second book is lighter. When I felt I needed a break from my first book, I would start working on my second book. This balance allowed me to recharge and continue writing with a fresh perspective.
How do you begin writing a new book? What challenges come with it?
My writing process might be a bit unconventional. Words, sentences, or entire stories just pop into my head, and I feel compelled to write them down immediately, whether it's day or night.
For non-fiction, I find it somewhat easier to write because the events have already happened. However, in my book, I had to respect the privacy of the people I was writing about, which was sometimes challenging. Another challenge was vividly describing the settings so that my readers could literally see and smell what I was writing about. (There is one house in particular, those memories I will never forget). I you read my book, you will immediately know what story I am referring to).
As for my second book, the idea came to me while writing my first book, particularly when the phrase “That’s Bull S#$T” kept coming out of my mouth. It happened so often that I decided it deserved its own book.
This second book presents new challenges because it includes other people's stories and mentions some rather large companies. This means I will need to do more fact-checking and probably leave out the names of the companies to avoid any issues.
Share a place that inspires you to write.
I believe there is inspiration everywhere you look; sometimes, you just need to open your eyes a little wider to find it. For me, the world around is a constant source of ideas and stories. It could be a quiet corner in a bustling café, a serene park bench under a canopy of trees, or even the cozy nook in my own home. (With saying that, having 2 Cavoodles there is never any me time).
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
The life of Jo Cooling is like living in a theme park: one minute, it's like riding a roller coaster, baking cupcakes, cookies, and slices. With a kitchen covered with chocolate, flour, and cooking utensils. Also trying to develop new tastes and ideas for her growing baking business.
Sometimes, she feels like she travels through life in a Dodge 'em car. All the while, she works to complete two novels while caring for two Cavoodles, who believe their mother was placed on this earth purely to play with them 24 hours a day.
But no matter how out of control her life can be at times, eventually, she ends up sailing around on the Walt Disney teacup ride on top of the world. However, when she relaxes, the Cavoodles see this as an opportunity to snuggle on Mum's lap.
Jo's work career has been just as colorful as her current life. She has worked in horse and car racing, sold lingerie, designed websites, been a Personal Assistant, and worked as a Law Clerk.
Jo looks at life like a box of chocolates: each day unwraps a new layer, revealing unexpected flavors and textures.
CONNECT WITH Jo Cooling
8 comments:
Thank you for featuring this book today.
This sounds like a really interesting book. Thanks for sharing.
Great interview. This looks really good.
Thank you for the interview.
Looks like a good read.
Fantastic interview
looks like a fun one
Great interview.
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