Thursday, April 17, 2008 ; 9:08 PMY
I am officially case holding. How scary is that when you haven't had to case hold before? All my previous work has been crisis work so we really only saw the family/child once and we're done. Go in, do our bit, and out we go... haha.
I conducted my first home visit today... all by myself. There are some real practice issues here. I felt so vulnerable doing this home visit. One, I do not have a car so had to rely on public transport. Two, I have never met the family before and I am going to their home for the first time. Three, I went BY MYSELF!!! aaaaah~ this whole situation did not make me feel safe at all. I had no support worker, if I was in danger I could not just run into my car and drive off (as was the case with DoCS!), I had to get to the bus top and pray really.. haha^^ I did do a history check and speak to some family members beforehand over the phone and there were no real concerns regarding safety, hence I went ahead. I know.. it was stupid.. and I could see all you DoCS CPCW and TL pointing ur fingers at me. I was lucky it turned out alright. I did remember to take precautions as trained by Kylie (thanx babe). Take off my scarf (in case they strangle me with it), all my ear rings (so they dun pull it thru my ear), and engagement ring (temptation of stealing and holding me ransom), and I did position myself near the door (in case I needed to make a quick exit). Luckily the family engaged really well and was very cooperative and receptive in the work I wanted to do with them. I know, it could have gone the other way and if so I won't be posting this blog and never had the chance to return to Sydney ><
It seems like most visits here are done by the sole case holder. Unless otherwise requested the manager will not attend with you. And even if you ask they are so hard to get a hold off you could have done like 5 meetings until they're free. Hence I took the easy way out. Tuesday I am going to another one... this one with a convicted sex offender potentially in the home (hence CP concerns). Mum has said he doesn't live there but I have my reservations. I am supposedly going by myself... hmmmm... need to plan this one well.
Oh, btw.. I have learnt to appreciate KiDS. The system here is shit house!!!! *oops* KiDS is actually an awesome system compared to what they have here. I didn't think I would ever say this about KiDS.. but I guess you don't appreciate what you have until you have lost it.. or come across sth shittier (is that a word?). They have what they call ICS -Integrated Childrens System (I always think CSI!). It's only Coventry.. so if they travel out of the area that's it, no history! VOILA! What a great system.. for our clients!
Sorry for boring you guys with work reports... but it's the only thing I have been doing these days!!!! It SO doesn't feel like a working holiday... I know pplz who are in the field will get all this gobbily-goo and know what I am going on abt :)
What has been happening in Sydney? I heard the rain has kicked in.. hahaha.. sucked in :p I get it everyday!!! It rains, snow and shine here all in one day. It's amazing. And we thought global warming was scary.. it's normal here. I hope you are all well bk home. It's going to start getting cold so rug up. You guys get an ANZAC Day public holiday.. that sucks.. what happened to mine? Maybe I should take the day off and tell them it's important for my cultural identity? haha.
Saturday, April 12, 2008 ; 8:39 PMY
Have been struggling a bit here... the weather... the isolation.. and the boredom. I can't just give Mike a call then pop over to his house, can't give Tina a call and say let's bum, can't give Jean a call and go shopping, can't give Kazza a call and have a coffee, can't give Kim a call and have a laugh... aaah~ it's killing me!!! I am missing home.. lots~
Found this randomly.. totally forgot about it!!! It did put a smile to my face though.. thanks Jeff-foooo for the effort^^ Emirates plane and UNSW logo... love it! <3
Tuesday, April 08, 2008 ; 9:10 PMY
I have been at work for a week or so now. Nothing too exciting to report. I'm not case holding yet as I am still reading throught all their materials (boring as!), but I should have allocated cases by the end of this week. Will let you guys know all about it!!! Esp you DoCS slaves... hehe.. but I'm sure we do it better in New South Wales!!! For one we have the Helpline, a central intake unit... they don't!!! and no mandatory reporting here... nuh nuh nuh~ -.-" um ma ma...
This is a photo of my office.. I am in the pent house on the upper level, 3rd floor :)I know.. I got the shock of my life when I first saw it too ><
Inside is not too bad though.. nice and cozy~ and of course I have bought my own stationary and decorated a bit^^ I have a photo of my man (Bill) and my boy (LonLon), and my pet is always with me (Kupi). I also have the calender! The fantastic art work of Wendy pooz <3
We got some snow over the weekend as well.. throughout the day and night. I stepped out the door Sunday morning and there was snow everywhere at random places. Some parts have melted cos of the sun whereas some hasn't. It was truly amazing and beautiful to see^^
Bill and I made a trip to Birmingham on Sunday. The second largest city in the UK (or so I was told). It did not disappoint. Coventry is an old historic city, whereas Birmingham just felt like Sydney! As soon as arrived 20mins after our train trip, we felt right at home!!! There were high rises, shopping centres, markets, Chinatown, and people buzzing everywhere. I fell in love with Birmingham straight away!!! We spent the day shopping and walking around. There is this big chain store called Selfridge & Co... kinda like David Jones.. and they have the BEST sweets!!!
I <3 Hershey's... Cookies and Cream is the best *yummy!*
