Known to Social Services; Changing People's Views on Social Work

My debut novel, Known to Social Services, continues to provoke comment and discussion, the vast majority of which, I am pleased to say, is positive. I am particularly happy about this, as one of the motivators for writing the book was to raise the profile of social workers and allow the general public a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a social worker.  Many readers have told me that they had “no idea” what social workers really did until they read Known to Social Services. 

Often stereotyped and negatively portrayed, especially in the media; most people’s idea of a social worker is a female in a flowing kaftan, dangly earrings and sandals who is doling out tea and sympathy in a totally ineffective manner. Alternatively, we are seen as spiky haired, judgemental busybodies who have no people skills, but who simply breeze in and out of people’s lives, snatching children away from their parents as they go.  Male social workers are outnumbered by their female counterparts, but do not escape; they are seen as tweed wearing individuals with leather elbow patches, who might even smoke a pipe. They are foggy in their thinking and faltering and hesitant when it comes to taking action.

I am extremely satisfied to learn that Known to Social Services, has in some small way, set the record straight in this regard. Some readers, who have been literally wide eyed with incredulity on having finished the book have told me that they “take their hats off to social workers if this is what it’s really like”, and it is …… ask any social worker.

On a more serious note, I was approached at a book signing by a worried student of social work who had read the book. She asked me, “Is it really like this?” I had to be honest and tell her that while I had brought together many “worst case scenarios”, the job of child protection, was in fact, pretty much like the book. She thought for a moment before telling me, “Then I think I’m going into the wrong job”. Far from being horrified to think that Known to Social Services had ruined this poor young woman’s career choice, I was of the view that it was better to find out early in her training, rather than embarking on a job, which she herself did not feel able to do. Many newly qualified social workers, me included, have found themselves totally unprepared for the reality of the job. I firmly believe, that alongside all the theory books and the practical placements, there is great value in works of fact-based fiction such as Known to Social Services.

I am aware that Known to Social Services has been, or is going to be, read in several social work book groups. This is a great honour, and I hope that students and qualified social workers alike can benefit from the experiences, which are told in narrative in the book.

A recent article by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council endorsed the use of social work book groups. The full article can be found by following the link below.

http://www.niscc.info/index.php/news/8-news/294-social-work-book-groups-are-useful-learning-tool-for-social-workers

My advice to the young woman’s dilemma was to advise her that there are many roles within social work, not all of which require you to work on the front line of child protection, though some experience in this field is essential. I urged her to consider all her options before making any drastic decisions, but felt once again, that the book had enlightened someone as to the reality of the job.

In the book, the central character is social worker, Diane Foster, who is hardworking, dedicated, and completely focused on her role as a voice for the children she supports and represents. One of the young people Diane is striving to help is 15-year-old Jessica Jackson. Readers have asked me if Jessica was “real”. While Known to Social Services is based on my personal experiences as a social worker, it is of course fictionalised with all identities protected.  Jessica’s character is a blend of several cases I worked, which involved emotionally confused teenage girls. Sad to say, many such cases do not have good outcomes. However, I would like to close this blog by telling you about one case, which did have a positive end result.

One young woman I worked with was like Jessica Jackson, in that she had moved around the care system for several years, and at 15 years of age, had become embroiled with the wrong crowd. Like Jessica in the story, I felt that this young woman, who I shall call Karen, needed a secure placement for her own safety and welfare. Karen was using class A drugs and was known to be working as a prostitute to support her habit. She constantly ran away from foster placements, which prompted the Local Authority placed her “out of county” – miles from the bad influences and her unhelpful family, in the hope that a fresh start may help. It didn’t. Karen continued to spiral downward, until the Local Authority was left with no choice but to apply for a secure order. I had campaigned for a secure placement for many weeks, but the courts quite rightly require a great deal of evidence to convince them, that depriving a young person of their liberty is in their best interest.

I presented Karen’s case to a panel, and was asked where she was at that precise moment. I knew that she was once again on the run, and likely to come to further harm if action was not taken. The order was agreed in principal, and when it was presented in court, the judge was of the same view. The problem then, was finding Karen who had once again, made herself scarce.

The police were involved, and to cut a long story short, she was finally “caught” after a chase through a local supermarket. At the police station, Karen was highly agitated, and violent. She threw anything she could lay her hands on at me, including her dinner, and screamed abuse for what seemed like forever. However, we had her safe, and transported her to the secure unit where she would remain for 3 months. It was her last hope of making some sense of her sadly messed up life. I visited Karen regularly; at first, she refused to speak to me, but slowly, she and I began to build a relationship. It was a fragile thing at first, but gradually, she came to trust me and understood I was actually on her side, though it didn’t seem that way in the beginning. I did a lot of direct play therapy with Karen and was delighted to see positive changes in her. She was in a drug rehabilitation group, where she became the star member. She put on much needed weight and engaged in groups with other girls, designed to build up her shattered self-esteem.

Karen was rehabilitated into the community 3 months later and managed to stay in a loving stable foster home. Her case was passed to the long term care team and that was the end of my involvement with Karen …… or so I thought.

Three years later, I arrived at work to find a letter on my desk; it was from Karen. She wrote to say that she was now 18 years old. She had a steady boyfriend and a job. She was expecting her first baby later that year. Karen wrote to say that she had hated me with a passion. She hated all social workers, but after being in the unit for those 3 months, she realised that I was on her side and was trying to help. She was writing to say thank you. The spelling was poor, the writing wonky and the grammar appalling, but I have never had a sweeter letter in my life.

Social work; it has its highs and its lows and if I’m honest the lows often seem to outweigh the highs, but when you get a “Karen” – it makes it all worthwhile and you go out and do it all again, always hoping that the next child is another Karen.

Freya

Another 5* review on Amazon for Known to Social Services

I am really pleased to report that my debut novel, Known to Social Services has received yet another 5* Amazon review;

I loved this book! When I see lots of 5 star reviews I often wonder if they're genuine, or if the author has got everyone they know to add them, but in this case it was well justified. I too am a social worker and have written my own novel about social work, please adopt me, but everything said in this book rang true. I loved the main characters, Diana and Glenda, who strive to keep local children safe. They behaved exactly as I recall from my days in child protection and the clients too are very authentic. This would be a great book for anyone to read who is considering social work as a career, or who just wants to know more about it. Medical romance and stories have been available for years and much enjoyed by the public, but there has been little similar for social work. Hopefully that can now change with myself and Freya Barrington setting the tone. Social work is a rich and rewarding career and it so deserves a wider audience and not just coverage from one of the tabloids when things go wrong. Lynne Pardoe.

Many thanks to the author of the review

Freya 

New Book; "Gozo; Is the Grass Greener?" by Freya Barrington - to be published by Faraxa Books

In 2010, Steve and I moved from the UK to the beautiful island of Gozo in the Mediterranean. At the time, I recorded our exploits in an online blog. Sometimes humorous, sometimes serious, but at all times candid and honest, the blog attracted over 45,000 hits in less than 12 months. At the time, many people contacted me to ask if I was going to publish the account of our move to Gozo in book form.

Freya by the sea in Gozo 

While the idea had occurred to me, it was no more than a pipe dream. Events then took a different turn when I took 12 months off from my role as a social worker, to write my first novel, entitled Known to Social Services, which was published in February 2015 by Faraxa Books. Known to Social Services was the #1 social work book on Amazon UK and has been met with positive reviews.

Freya's debut novel, Known to Social Services

Encouraged by this, I rethought the possibility of my online blog being rewritten in book form. Several months of work later, it was ready for submission under the title, Gozo; Is the Grass Greener?

I am absolutely delighted to report that Faraxa Books have agreed to publish the book.

Faraxabooks.com 

Many people dream of moving abroad to live and can be seduced by the idea of warmer climes and a better standard of living. The book looks at why we decided to move from the UK, and follows us on our epic and often hair-raising trip across Europe, with our old hairy lurcher in tow. It then gives an honest account of our lives in Gozo, and looks at whether or not the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence, or in our case, the other side of the water!

Our old lurcher Ollie who came too

The book also looks critically at our lives together and asks the same question; Is the Grass Greener? Both Steve and I have been married in before, and were warned by several well-meaning people that the grass would not necessarily be greener in a new relationship.

To see what the verdict was on whether or not the grass was greener, both in Gozo and for us as a couple, you will have to read the book, which should be released later this year J

Many thanks to Faraxa for their ongoing support.

Freya

Two New 5* Amazon Reviews for Known to Social Services

WOW; two new 5* reviews today;

I always knew that there was another side to the stories telling of social workers’ incompetence in the horrific stories of neglect and abuse that flood our newspapers. I know this because I have friends that are social workers, and I know why they do their job and how hard it is for them to carry on in the face of the derision of their critics and the unwillingness of some of their clients to engage with the help that will lift them out of their despairing situations.
‘Known to Social Services’ at last rebalances the perception that is widely held of social workers as uncaring, interfering busybodies that are willing to break up families at the drop of a hat.
It is a page-turning, gripping read that will leave you feeling immense sorrow, not only for the vulnerable humanity within its pages, but for the social workers who daily give their all to try and mend a society that is fractured beyond healing.
Buy it, read it, be enlightened. Posted by W.S.

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Gripping book would definitely recommend.. As a social work student this book gave a fantastic insight of social work practice in child protection!! I'm hoping there will be another instalment; Posted by N.A

So thrilled to read that people are enjoying my book

Freya

Visit to Gharb Primary School

It was my very great pleasure to be a guest at Gharb Primary School on 23^rd April.

Gharb Primary School

Steve and I were afforded the warmest welcome from the Head teacher Mr Saviour Tabone and his deputy Victoria Cassar.  

As my book, Known to Social Services, is written for an adult audience, I chose to read some age appropriate poetry to the children from years 5 and 6.  I know from reading poetry to my own children just how enjoyable it can be.

The children were a credit to their parents and to the school, as they listened intently and eagerly answered questions and made suggestions of their own.  What is also of note was the happy and loving atmosphere within the school. 

And now we begin

I chose poems from a variety of writers, including classics such as Walter De La Mare, A.A. Milne and Edward Lear along with more modern writers such as Alfred Noyes and Kenn Nesbitt.

I think that the children’s favourite was the following limerick by Edward Lear. Such was the laughter that followed; I read it twice!

There was an old man with a beard,

Who said, “It is just as I feared! –

Two owls and a hen, four larks and a wren,

Have all built their nests in my beard”.

Following the poetry reading, I made a gift of the book of poems to the school for the children to continue to enjoy.

Gifting the book of poems to the school's deputy Victoria Cassar

Staff commented how well the children had behaved, and noted that this was because they were enjoyed themselves. The staff were also very well behaved, as you can see in this photo!

The well behaved staff!

Well done children, it was lovely to meet you all and I hope you continue to enjoy poetry and reading as much as I do.

With the head teacher Mr Saviour Tabone

Signing the visitor's book

More photographs of the day can be seen on the school’s own website at;

https://gharbprimary.wordpress.com/

Now here is my all time favourite poem; the dormouse and the doctor by A.A. Milne.

There once was a Dormouse who lived in a bed
Of delphiniums (blue) and geraniums (red),
And all the day long he'd a wonderful view
Of geraniums (red) and delphiniums (blue).

A Doctor came hurrying round, and he said:
"Tut-tut, I am sorry to find you in bed.
Just say 'Ninety-nine' while I look at your chest....
Don't you find that chrysanthemums answer the best?"

The Dormouse looked round at the view and replied
(When he'd said "Ninety-nine") that he'd tried and he'd tried,
And much the most answering things that he knew
Were geraniums (red) and delphiniums (blue).

The Doctor stood frowning and shaking his head,
And he took up his shiny silk hat as he said:
"What the patient requires is a change," and he went
To see some chrysanthemum people in Kent.

The Dormouse lay there, and he gazed at the view
Of geraniums (red) and delphiniums (blue),
And he knew there was nothing he wanted instead
Of delphiniums (blue) and geraniums (red).

The Doctor came back and, to show what he meant,
He had brought some chrysanthemum cuttings from Kent.
"Now these," he remarked, "give a much better view
Than geraniums (red) and delphiniums (blue)."

They took out their spades and they dug up the bed
Of delphiniums (blue) and geraniums (red),
And they planted chrysanthemums (yellow and white).
"And now," said the Doctor, "we'll soon have you right."

The Dormouse looked out, and he said with a sigh:
"I suppose all these people know better than I.
It was silly, perhaps, but I did like the view
Of geraniums (red) and delphiniums (blue)."

The Doctor came round and examined his chest,
And ordered him Nourishment, Tonics, and Rest.
"How very effective," he said, as he shook
The thermometer, "all these chrysanthemums look!"

The Dormouse turned over to shut out the sight
Of the endless chrysanthemums (yellow and white).
"How lovely," he thought, "to be back in a bed
Of delphiniums (blue) and geraniums (red.)"

The Doctor said, "Tut! It's another attack!"
And ordered him Milk and Massage-of-the-back,
And Freedom-from-worry and Drives-in-a-car,
And murmured, "How sweet your chrysanthemums are!"

The Dormouse lay there with his paws to his eyes,
And imagined himself such a pleasant surprise:
"I'll pretend the chrysanthemums turn to a bed
Of delphiniums (blue) and geraniums (red)!"

The Doctor next morning was rubbing his hands,
And saying, "There's nobody quite understands
These cases as I do! The cure has begun!
How fresh the chrysanthemums look in the sun!"

The Dormouse lay happy, his eyes were so tight
He could see no chrysanthemums, yellow or white.
And all that he felt at the back of his head
Were delphiniums (blue) and geraniums (red).

And that is the reason (Aunt Emily said)
If a Dormouse gets in a chrysanthemum bed,
You will find (so Aunt Emily says) that he lies
Fast asleep on his front with his paws to his eyes. 

Alan Alexander Milne

Freya

A Day in Malta

Our trip to Malta meant an early start to the day; we were on the 6:45 am ferry watching the early morning sun as we made our way across the short stretch of water between Gozo and Malta.

We had decided not to drive, as we were unsure where we were going, so a car was waiting for us as we got off the ferry. This proved to be the right decision as the traffic in the centre of Malta was back to back. Our driver however, demonstrated his wealth of local knowledge, as he snaked around all the back streets to get us to our first destination on time.

In the Radio Malta Studio

I was delighted to meet with Frederick Zammit at Radio Malta and to be his guest on the early morning show. I discussed my book, Known to Social Services with Frederick and enjoyed his easy banter and friendly manner.  We parted ways with a promise of a return visit when I have finished my sequel book!

In full flow on Radio Malta

With my host Frederick Zammit

Our car awaited us and it was off to Agenda Books in Valletta for a morning of book signing.  I was able to sit outside the shop, and watch the tourists strolling in the Malta sun. It was lovely to meet with so many passers-by and to chat with them about the book. Several of them declared their intent to download the book to their Kindle to read on their plane journey home.

Outside Agenda Books ready for the book signing

Others preferred to get a signed paperback copy to take away with them.

Paul gets his his copy of Known to Social Services signed

I am grateful to the staff of Agenda Books who welcomed us and offered us their hospitality for the morning.

Me with Christine From Agenda Books

The day was made more entertaining by a mime artiste “fairy”, who set up her stall across from us!

Steve with the lovely fairy

We were thankful for our driver, who was waiting for us at the end of a tiring but worthwhile and enjoyable day. I am reliably informed by Steve that I slept all the way back to the ferry in the car!

Well it was an early start J

Freya

THIS WEEK; a radio interview, a book signing, and a visit to a school

I am delighted to be an invited guest on the Filghodu Ma’ Fredrick show on Radio Malta on Wednesday 22^nd April at 08:50 am – tune in if you can on 93.7 FM

I will then be moving on to the Agenda Book Store in Valletta from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm for a book signing on the same day. You will be able to purchase copies of my debut novel Known to Social Services and discuss the book with me at this event.

On Thursday 23^rd April, I am pleased to be a guest in Gharb Primary School in Gozo, where I will be spending time meeting the older students, and reading some of my personal favourite children’s poems to them.

I feel very privileged to have so many exciting opportunities to meet with people and to share the experience of being a published author.

Many thanks to Faraxa Books for their ongoing support and to all of you who have been so encouraging

Freya 

5* review for Known to Social Services from Author Dawn Kopman Whidden

"Freya Barrington has written a dark and gritty novel that captivated me from page one. This story delves into the life of a young social worker whose love and compassion for her young clients literally brings her to the point of self destruction.  Before I picked up the book I read the author's biography and realized that she wasn't just making up case studies to create her novel, but actually has lived them, making the reader that much invested in her book.  These horrific things actually happen, and happen every day. We all know about the horrors of child abuse and sexual abuse of the innocent, because the news reports on them at least three of four times a year. But Ms. Barrington tells us what it's like to be on the front lines every day. What it is like to see the depraved destroy lives and how one young woman and her co workers and associates have to deal with it on a daily with it rarely turning out with the Cinderella happy ending. Kudos to this author for not just keeping me captivated, but opening my eyes to the horrors of what our civil servants and selfless social workers must endure during their careers.  A beautifully done novel that does more than keeps this reader interested, but actually opened my eyes." Thank you Dawn for this most encouraging review Dawn Kopman Whidden is the author of criminal psychological mysteries; A Child is Torn Faceless; a Mystery Stolen Having read Stolen and being half way through A Child is Torn, I can highly recommend Dawn's books. They make gripping reading. Visit Dawn's website; http://dawnkopman.wix.com/dawnkopmanwhidden Visit her Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/DAWNKOPMANWHIDDEN and give her a "like" Freya

Article in Lancashire Evening Post 8th April 2015

I am delighted to feature in today's Lancashire Evening Post;

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/debut-book-goes-straight-to-top-of-class-1-7196913

I spent my formative years in Walton-Le-Dale, near Preston in Lancashire and attended the Girl's Grammar School in Penwortham in the days when it was a Grammar School.  

I also began my working career with horses in the nearby racing yard of Capt. JH Wilson and his daughter, former champion lady jockey, Geraldine Rees; happy days

My thanks to reported Sonja Astbury for running the story. There will be a follow up feature in the near future, so watch this space.

Freya

Book Signing at Bargate Bookshop in Victoria Gozo

Having spent a chilly week in the UK promoting my debut novel, Known to Social Services, it was a real delight to be at home and visit Bargate Bookshop in Victoria, Gozo for a book signing event.

Outside Bargate Books in Victoria, Gozo

Ready to roll

I am grateful to owners, Marlon and Jane Mercieca, who gave us a warm welcome and were our friendly hosts for the morning.

Freya with Jane Mercieca

It was a pleasure as always to see some of our friends there and also to meet new people who popped in to this busy town centre bookshop, get a signed copy of the book.

Signing books 

More signings

It was my particular pleasure to meet the Director of Faraxa Books Joanne Micallef, who made the trip from Malta to offer her support to the event. Faraxa Books are the publishers of Known to Social Services. 

Freya with Joanne Micallef, Director of Faraxa Books

Marlon gets his own signed copy of Known to Social Services

With Sheila who already has her copy of the book

Anna; who came to get a book

Thanks to everyone who made the morning such a memorable one; as always, my special thanks to my husband Steve, without whose encouragement, this book would still be no more than just be a good idea.

With Steve 

Marlon and Jane have signed copies of the book in stock in their shop if you missed the event. 

Freya