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Child Protection Behind Closed Doors
My journey started with a tragedy, which led me to study youth suicide and the impact this has on young people and their families. I was shocked to discover how many young people fell through the cracks of our broken mental health system. Furthermore, young people were also falling through the cracks of many systems, including Child Protection.
If you think you know what Child Protection is all about, think again. This is a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens when the public is not watching or listening.
This novel will highlight the difficulties and sometimes dangers workers face. Furthermore, it will shine a spotlight on the bullying that has been prominent within Child Protection for a long time and on Management, which has chosen to ignore it.
My story will also call attention to drug use within Child Protection. As well as Management's lack of support for workers and why the same people who helped me advance my career were the same people who tried to take me down.
This book also looks at the good, the bad, and the downright bizarre cases I have worked on during my career as a Senior Child Protection Worker.
If you have been a client or are interested in a career in Child Protection, or just want a book you cannot put down, then this novel is for you.
If you think you know what Child Protection is all about, think again. This is a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens when the public is not watching or listening.
This novel will highlight the difficulties and sometimes dangers workers face. Furthermore, it will shine a spotlight on the bullying that has been prominent within Child Protection for a long time and on Management, which has chosen to ignore it.
My story will also call attention to drug use within Child Protection. As well as Management's lack of support for workers and why the same people who helped me advance my career were the same people who tried to take me down.
This book also looks at the good, the bad, and the downright bizarre cases I have worked on during my career as a Senior Child Protection Worker.
If you have been a client or are interested in a career in Child Protection, or just want a book you cannot put down, then this novel is for you.
- GenresNonfiction
166 pages, Paperback
Published July 25, 2024
3 people are currently reading
996 people want to read
About the author
Jo Cooling
1 book30 followersThe 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 10, 2024
How many times have we seen news reports of children harmed due to their parents’ dysfunction or bad choices? How many times have we mused to ourselves – Where’s the system? Has it failed? Can we do better?
An eye-opening, no-holds-barred book on the state of child protection services in Australia, “Child Protection: Behind Closed Doors” by Jo Cooling draws inspiration from her extensive career as a Senior Child Protection Worker from 2002-2012. Using a series of vignettes and case studies, Jo illustrates the systemic issues and challenges surrounding work in child protection. Including the good, the bad, and the downright bizarre, she shares a wide and comprehensive range of stories that have made an impact on her and her career.
From an attempt at concealment with a shaved head akin to Superman and his glasses, to locusts, Charlie’s Angel poses, and a pumpkin carving incident that almost ends in tragedy, the wry bits of humor found within this book’s pages make the people she writes about more engaging and sympathetic. Jo Cooling’s blunt assessment of the state of child protection in the decade she’s worked in the field succeeds in giving us a clear idea of what child protection workers face, and how they manage the stresses they experience. Though not her primary goal, it’s plain to see the unselfish and unwavering dedication of child protection workers like her who serve with understanding and compassion. For them, the rewards of seeing people overcome their circumstances far outweigh their everyday frustrations and challenges.
Through this book, the veil on the oft-times hidden world of child protection is lifted and we catch an insider’s perspective of what it’s like to operate within the system. We gain a deeper understanding of how the process goes, and the heartbreaking consequences that unfold when it fails. From favoritism and drug addiction to bullying amongst the ranks, we realize that, despite its lofty goals, the Child Protection Agency is much like any other organization with weaknesses and deficits. Politics pervades, and workers who voice their protests are seen as the enemy by management and those they work with.
Jo’s straightforward prose and unabashed writing style make the difficult subject matter more easily digestible and accessible. Each story is underscored with lessons and thoughts, which add depth, relatability, and a personal touch to the emotional and unsettling experiences she shares. Compelling, evocative, and sensitive to the people she’s worked with and handled, Jo balances logic with empathy, hope with reality, and difficulty with positivity. The book is structured to maximum effect, making us aware of the serious imperfections and challenges within the system.
Whether you’re entertaining a career in child protection, or you picked up this book due to curiosity and a desire to understand, “Child Protection: Behind Closed Doors” is by turns insightful and informative. It’s a pragmatic and realistic critique of a flawed system that still has a long way to go in fulfilling its objectives. It makes no attempt at quick fixes, nor does it offer tentative solutions. Instead, it’s targeted toward policymakers, practitioners, and the public, and highlights the immediate need for improvement, better support, and reform within the child protection system, not just in Australia, but all over the world.
Courageous, unflinching, and thought-provoking, this book tackles serious issues with heart, humor, and honesty. I highly recommend it.
An eye-opening, no-holds-barred book on the state of child protection services in Australia, “Child Protection: Behind Closed Doors” by Jo Cooling draws inspiration from her extensive career as a Senior Child Protection Worker from 2002-2012. Using a series of vignettes and case studies, Jo illustrates the systemic issues and challenges surrounding work in child protection. Including the good, the bad, and the downright bizarre, she shares a wide and comprehensive range of stories that have made an impact on her and her career.
From an attempt at concealment with a shaved head akin to Superman and his glasses, to locusts, Charlie’s Angel poses, and a pumpkin carving incident that almost ends in tragedy, the wry bits of humor found within this book’s pages make the people she writes about more engaging and sympathetic. Jo Cooling’s blunt assessment of the state of child protection in the decade she’s worked in the field succeeds in giving us a clear idea of what child protection workers face, and how they manage the stresses they experience. Though not her primary goal, it’s plain to see the unselfish and unwavering dedication of child protection workers like her who serve with understanding and compassion. For them, the rewards of seeing people overcome their circumstances far outweigh their everyday frustrations and challenges.
Through this book, the veil on the oft-times hidden world of child protection is lifted and we catch an insider’s perspective of what it’s like to operate within the system. We gain a deeper understanding of how the process goes, and the heartbreaking consequences that unfold when it fails. From favoritism and drug addiction to bullying amongst the ranks, we realize that, despite its lofty goals, the Child Protection Agency is much like any other organization with weaknesses and deficits. Politics pervades, and workers who voice their protests are seen as the enemy by management and those they work with.
Jo’s straightforward prose and unabashed writing style make the difficult subject matter more easily digestible and accessible. Each story is underscored with lessons and thoughts, which add depth, relatability, and a personal touch to the emotional and unsettling experiences she shares. Compelling, evocative, and sensitive to the people she’s worked with and handled, Jo balances logic with empathy, hope with reality, and difficulty with positivity. The book is structured to maximum effect, making us aware of the serious imperfections and challenges within the system.
Whether you’re entertaining a career in child protection, or you picked up this book due to curiosity and a desire to understand, “Child Protection: Behind Closed Doors” is by turns insightful and informative. It’s a pragmatic and realistic critique of a flawed system that still has a long way to go in fulfilling its objectives. It makes no attempt at quick fixes, nor does it offer tentative solutions. Instead, it’s targeted toward policymakers, practitioners, and the public, and highlights the immediate need for improvement, better support, and reform within the child protection system, not just in Australia, but all over the world.
Courageous, unflinching, and thought-provoking, this book tackles serious issues with heart, humor, and honesty. I highly recommend it.
September 6, 2024
Child Protection is a critical service, but it faces challenges when false reports divert attention from real emergencies. The author, with experience in the Intake section, describes how this department handles reports about children's safety and well-being, highlighting the impact of these false alarms on the system.
One of the book’s standout stories, "The Friendship that Saved a Young Boy’s Life," focuses on the theme of bullying. Leonard, a Year Seven student, faced relentless bullying, but his life took a positive turn when Samantha extended her friendship. This act of kindness helped Leonard through a dark time and ultimately saved his life. The story is moving and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting those who are suffering.
For anyone considering a career in Child Protection, this book provides valuable insights into the emotional challenges of the job. Through its many stories of bullying and the lack of necessary support, the book encourages readers to practice greater kindness and empathy. It also highlights the need for better support systems for Child Protection workers, so they can be more effective in safeguarding children. This book is a thoughtful and essential read for anyone looking to understand or contribute to the field of child welfare.
One of the book’s standout stories, "The Friendship that Saved a Young Boy’s Life," focuses on the theme of bullying. Leonard, a Year Seven student, faced relentless bullying, but his life took a positive turn when Samantha extended her friendship. This act of kindness helped Leonard through a dark time and ultimately saved his life. The story is moving and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting those who are suffering.
For anyone considering a career in Child Protection, this book provides valuable insights into the emotional challenges of the job. Through its many stories of bullying and the lack of necessary support, the book encourages readers to practice greater kindness and empathy. It also highlights the need for better support systems for Child Protection workers, so they can be more effective in safeguarding children. This book is a thoughtful and essential read for anyone looking to understand or contribute to the field of child welfare.
April 24, 2025
This deserves 10 Starrs
February 23, 2025
Thank you Goodreads and Jo Cooling for the complimentary copy of Child Protection Behind Closed Doors.
This gave an eye opening view of some of the things that are occurring behind the scenes in Child Protection Services. Jo Cooling writes about her experiences in CPS as a senior child protection worker for 10 years in the Melbourne area. Unfortunately, due to health issues Cooling had to retire from her position, but she has been able to share her experiences through her writing.
From what I have read, it sound like CPS in all areas are suffering from poor management, lack of funding, and also lack of staffing. It is hard to recruit and keep people on staff when there is little pay and management does not protect and help their staff grow. Working in CPS is often thankless and dangerous. The individuals that work in this field really have to have a love for their community and a drive to assist children.
I am more worried about CPS in America after reading this book. Granted this book is based in Australia so the system is probably different. America is undergoing some remodeling under the new administration. Funding is being cut in several different areas. Most of that funding goes toward women and children. I hope people realize how important CPS is if we want to give some children a fighting chance to become contributing members of society as they mature and grow.
Thank you Jo Cooling for sharing your experiences with us. I hope to read more of your material later in the future!
This gave an eye opening view of some of the things that are occurring behind the scenes in Child Protection Services. Jo Cooling writes about her experiences in CPS as a senior child protection worker for 10 years in the Melbourne area. Unfortunately, due to health issues Cooling had to retire from her position, but she has been able to share her experiences through her writing.
From what I have read, it sound like CPS in all areas are suffering from poor management, lack of funding, and also lack of staffing. It is hard to recruit and keep people on staff when there is little pay and management does not protect and help their staff grow. Working in CPS is often thankless and dangerous. The individuals that work in this field really have to have a love for their community and a drive to assist children.
I am more worried about CPS in America after reading this book. Granted this book is based in Australia so the system is probably different. America is undergoing some remodeling under the new administration. Funding is being cut in several different areas. Most of that funding goes toward women and children. I hope people realize how important CPS is if we want to give some children a fighting chance to become contributing members of society as they mature and grow.
Thank you Jo Cooling for sharing your experiences with us. I hope to read more of your material later in the future!
September 6, 2024
"Child Protection Behind Closed Doors" by Jo Cooling offers a compelling and eye-opening account of the child protection system. Drawing from her extensive experience as a senior child protection worker, Cooling invites readers into the complex and often challenging world of her career.
The book highlights the grim reality many children face when deprived of a stable and loving family. Without support, they become vulnerable to drug abuse, sexual exploitation, homelessness, and, in severe cases, suicide. Cooling also shares firsthand experiences from court cases where parents relinquished their guardianship, leaving children with deep feelings of rejection.
Throughout the narrative, Cooling sheds light on the inadequate support provided to child protection workers, emphasizing the impact of systemic issues like drug use within management. She argues that addressing these problems is crucial to ensuring children receive the care they deserve.
Ultimately, the author encourages resilience and determination in the face of adversity, both for the workers in the field and those advocating for change. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges within child protection, and I commend Jo Cooling for her bravery in sharing these important truths.
Rating 4.5/5
The book highlights the grim reality many children face when deprived of a stable and loving family. Without support, they become vulnerable to drug abuse, sexual exploitation, homelessness, and, in severe cases, suicide. Cooling also shares firsthand experiences from court cases where parents relinquished their guardianship, leaving children with deep feelings of rejection.
Throughout the narrative, Cooling sheds light on the inadequate support provided to child protection workers, emphasizing the impact of systemic issues like drug use within management. She argues that addressing these problems is crucial to ensuring children receive the care they deserve.
Ultimately, the author encourages resilience and determination in the face of adversity, both for the workers in the field and those advocating for change. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges within child protection, and I commend Jo Cooling for her bravery in sharing these important truths.
Rating 4.5/5
September 6, 2024
This book makes the readers aware about Child Protection. The author has shared various cases on which she has worked during her career as a senior child protection worker. Jo has worked in different departments like Intake, Case Management, etc and has vast experience.
The author has shared a story of Dyslexic colleagues when she went out for a case with her colleague. Jo and her colleague couldn't get the street name right and later found out they both have dyslexia.
Jo has shared various stories on how Child Protection Management's lack of support for workers is a big issue. Jo has highlighted about the management's use of drugs and involvement in bullying the workers. When Jo was sick, she was terminated from her job instead of being supported. The management's instructions to her colleagues to stop all communications with her affected her a lot.
The two important lessons that I learnt from this book are:
1 Seek help whenever you need it.
2 Do not give up on yourself. If one planned journey doesn't work, plan another one.
I am glad to read this book. It has increased my awareness on many topics. This book is full of valuable lessons and I am grateful to the author for sharing her case stories with us.
The author has shared a story of Dyslexic colleagues when she went out for a case with her colleague. Jo and her colleague couldn't get the street name right and later found out they both have dyslexia.
Jo has shared various stories on how Child Protection Management's lack of support for workers is a big issue. Jo has highlighted about the management's use of drugs and involvement in bullying the workers. When Jo was sick, she was terminated from her job instead of being supported. The management's instructions to her colleagues to stop all communications with her affected her a lot.
The two important lessons that I learnt from this book are:
1 Seek help whenever you need it.
2 Do not give up on yourself. If one planned journey doesn't work, plan another one.
I am glad to read this book. It has increased my awareness on many topics. This book is full of valuable lessons and I am grateful to the author for sharing her case stories with us.
November 22, 2024
What a positive book!
I would suggest this book to anyone in the helping fields. Those who have been there know how it feels to be with uncomfortable situations. You want to be caring, yet straight forward, state your message for your visit. Protect yourself from adversity and never loose your sense of childish humor.
I would suggest this book to anyone in the helping fields. Those who have been there know how it feels to be with uncomfortable situations. You want to be caring, yet straight forward, state your message for your visit. Protect yourself from adversity and never loose your sense of childish humor.
November 26, 2024
Excellent read. Thought provoking read
December 14, 2024
My heart just aches. And eye opener to what our children go through in a system so detached that can't see the obvious.
December 24, 2024
You hear the stories in the media all the time. This book will pull your heart strings. Easy to follow and one that kept me glued.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews