Two items caught my eye today (my colleagues are still processing the budget).
Neil Morrissey speaks to the Guardian about a new TV programme revisiting his experience as a child in care. A particularly strong message is the low expectations people had then, as is often the case now, of children in care.
On a separate note, social workers often seem to complain about bullying bosses. Psychology Today has a piece on tackling the office bully, including some useful tips.
The article on Neil Morrissey revisits his children home roots is compelling and very moving on every level.
Family back ground siblings relationship and forced separation, houseparents staff and education system.
He clearly identifies many aspects challenges that children in care face the stark reality living through your care years can be traumatic. It so true the comments made when you leave care as an young care leaver it is an extremely difficult transition with little support and no real home.
Especially about others having low expectations of you the fact your very much on your own to survive daily living a type of homelessness of no fixed abode. Neil his sheer determined strength to follow his dream attend drama school even though head form teacher thought waste of time to attend interview.
I wish I could watch the documentary the few snaps shots of his care background, however live in Australia may come here in later years.
I think Neil is a true hero for sharing his personal journey revisiting his childhood the fact he survived and I acknowledge his hard work is a credit to him. It would not be easy and proves some care leavers no matter what their childhood history or past can make a real difference in life.
A huge personal achievement to do so well in life uplifting and inspiring just brilliant.
Are children better or worse of for having being brought up in care? I leave that for the professionals to decide. It not all about ticking boxes and closing cases.
I vividly recall even today in my early 50s being raised up in care I left early 1970s was an shameful experience that you carried the stigma what others thought.