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still here...sort of!
Monday, 14 September 2009
I haven't fallen off the face of the earth as you might think, and believe me, it has felt like that a couple of times... I have a new job that is taking up any precious spare moments I had.
It's rewarding, but busy. I'm working as an 'appropriate adult'...which means that when anyone under 17 or an adult who's mentally vulnerable gets arrested, I am there to make sure their rights and welfare are maintained while they are in custody and while being interviewed.
I have travelled all over London so far. And, there are moments, say when its 2am, and I have to be up in three hours, and I'm still at a police station miles away trying to convince a 14 year old, with over sixty previous offences, that its in their best interests to consult a solicitor, that I wonder what I'm doing!
I'm spending so much time in the custody suite, I'm beginning to empathise with the prisoners!
There's been a couple of good moment's, the other day I got called a white, bitch, whore, social worker....
"hey, I object to being called a social worker," I said.
It broke the ice, he was okay with me after that.
There's been a couple of shaky moments too, like having a chat with a (huge) guy who beat two women to a pulp, because he hears voices telling him that women are the devil...that's really not much fun. Then again, I think my husband hears those voices too!!!!
Generally, once people realise you are there to help them and not judge them, they are okay.
It is certainly an eye opener, and it makes me appreciate my own parents and upbringing, my own kids, and even more, it makes me dislike the system that lets these people down so often.
So if I am about a bit less than normal, if I'm not posting every day, you know why. Hopefully life will settle back down soon...HA!!!
14 September 2009 at 12:29
. . . and here I was, bemoaning the fact that my floor still needs mopping, my popular posts widget is playing the fool and I'm so very tired, still have lunch and then dinner to prepare etc etc etc and then of course, I see your posting!
But really, be careful girl . . you do so much already I'm fearful that you'll wear yourself out... and less trips into Sally's World . . unthinkable lol!
Take care Sal . . and tell that David :) to pull his finger out!!
xxxxx
14 September 2009 at 13:00
I am impressed and humbled by what you do, Sal. Seriously. Do be careful...especially with the ones that call you social worker, gotta watch out for them! lol
14 September 2009 at 14:34
God Bless you and your work.
14 September 2009 at 15:06
Wow. Good for you. And take care of yourself;)
14 September 2009 at 15:16
Wow, you have time for a job too?
14 September 2009 at 15:30
Congrats on your new endeavor Sal. Maybe you should start with this "I don't care who you are, what you did, or who you did it to. Cup of tea?"
14 September 2009 at 17:09
Hey lady!! Long time no talk! I have missed you! So sorry I have been blog-neglectful lately. Life around here has been pretty crazy too.
Congrats on the new job...I think : )
Sounds pretty scary but your temperment and demeanor are a perfect fit for such a job!! Those troubled kids need you!
14 September 2009 at 17:31
Wow, how exciting! Best of luck in this new job. It sounds like you have a gift for it.
14 September 2009 at 17:57
I wish you the best with this new job....like ya didnt have enough going on in your life...geez woman!!!!
14 September 2009 at 18:13
WOW! Sounds like a tough job. All the best.
15 September 2009 at 00:43
Wow, that sounds intense. Careful, don't get yourself into a bad situation. I know about the system, no better here either. My dad is a retird cop working out of the courthouse, heard and seen a bit. Good luck with that!
15 September 2009 at 02:07
You truly amaze me with all you do! What an amazing generous thing to do. Just make sure you take care of yourself as well!
15 September 2009 at 03:05
sally-you are an amazing woman! congrats on the new job and remember to take care of you! best-c
15 September 2009 at 03:54
So, do you wear your Superwoman cape? I just don't know how you do it! Good luck.
Hugs!
C
15 September 2009 at 05:10
hey, "I object to being called a social worker," I said.
That cracked me up girl!
I have been gone for a while as well. Glad you are back and you are doing a good job, very impressive.
15 September 2009 at 09:30
Hi Gloria, You have met dave I take it??? LOL!!! xxx
Hi Niksomom, yeah, i know there are some good social workers out there, but its one of those jobs people despise you for...x
vgsomom, thanks x
mental P mama, thanks and i'm always safe x
Linda, no,not really, it just sort of happened lol x
RileyScott, thats funny, thats almost exactly what i say. No matter how I feel about what they may or may not have done now or in the past, they have rights and my job is to simply make sure they are maintained. x
thanks melinda, i know, life gets mad at times, but would we have it any other way. x
thanks tom, i hope i do! x
LOL Dena, I know, what I really need is a straight jacket! x
Lone grey squirrel, tough some days, others i feel like i make a difference, i've actually met some great kids, mostly just in bad situations. x
Hi Dragon, I think the systems certainly improving here (slowly), but there are always families that slip through the net, its frustrating and an eye opener!!! x
thanks maureen x
thanks C.M Jackson, i will x
LOL Cozyflier, i prefer wonder woman deflector bracelets... xxx
littletoesandcheerios, glad to see you back too, i am so behind, but i'll visit later and catch up x
15 September 2009 at 13:25
Wow and wow again. From this post and our conversation yesterday it seems like a really intense job and a real eye opener.
As with the earlier post it goes without saying becareful and i wish you the best of luck. Its not often we can say we made a difference to someones life.
16 September 2009 at 07:16
Thanks Trojan, but YOU can say that, you have certainly made a big difference to mine xxxxxx
16 September 2009 at 07:30
God bless you. Take care your self.
21 October 2009 at 10:36
Just read your blog,dearest Sal,just want to know EXACTLY what it is you eat for breakfast which gets you through your increasingly packed day?? Help I need to start eating it too!!!!
Strangely enough, I saw a little something in a shop the other day and have put it in the post,not for your birthday or Christmas just for being YOU!!! Now I have read re your work with vulnerable adults it is EVEN more appropriate!!!
I thought I doing was doing well for 57 as I bravely went on a waltzer at the fair with my friends 17 year old granddaughter ,they wouldn't allow single riders ,so I had no choice!I got on ,by 40 years the oldest ,and then in a very loud voice I heard the attendant shout,very loudly 'Have you got your incontinence pad on?' Mmm.....blooming cheek ....a tad near the truth though as I had to dash to the nearest portaloo straight after!!!! Ageism....gr...gr....!!!
You are AMAZING and I have now totally lost track of exactly how many people you have helped in your life so far and you have got many,many years to come too,definitely all due to an unknown and unavailable energy packed breakfast not eaten by us lesser mortals!!! Well that, and age related incontinence are my excuse!!!
A big hug to you and yours !!
Much love Wendy xxxxxx