Friday, May 29, 2009

Time? Who has it?

With one thing or another, this has been one long week...

My server has been giving me nothing but headaches all week and it's driving me around the bend.
It's on.
It's off.
It's on and off.
That page isn't available. Server error. You don't have permission to view this site....arrgh!
I mean, I pay the bills, so as far as I'm concerned it has no right to tell me what I can and can not do!!
How dare they!

Blogger itself has given me nothing but headaches all week as well, refusing to let me load photos, it won't save drafts, the screen goes blank at the drop of a hat. Probably all related to the damn server problems, but still.
I'm feeling very conspired against.

And my head? Well, it's been giving me nothing but headaches all week as well. I've had daily headaches since last weekend and it's getting me down. I know it's time to see the quack.. but who has time?

And then Thursday night? Thursday night I had nothing better to do with my time, than go to a business meeting for carers. I could have relaxed. I could have enjoyed myself by catching up on blogs - maybe even written one. I could have gone to bed early. I could have gotten caught up on paperwork or done a hundred other things.
But no... I attended the meeting.

The meeting was called so that they (the higher-ups) could explain to us how they can stand down a carer and potentially fire her, based only on the allegations of a just-turned 4 year old.
Of course, we all understand that that the safety and well-being of any child is their priority, but what ever happened to "innocent until proven guilty"??? Whatever happened to common sense or our good reputations?
You can work in this industry for 5-10-20-30 years and have an absolutely impeccable reputation, and all it takes is a disgruntled parent who's looking for a way of avoiding paying their bill, or a lying child. Or sometimes (as in this case) both together.

I'm sorry, but kids do lie.
They lie for all sorts of reasons and even when they're caught in the act of doing something they aren't supposed to do... they're literally caught red-handed, some of them will try and blame it on someone else.

Anyway, we were basically told that their decision is a final one. They weigh up the evidence and even if there is no clear cut answer, they will always err on the side of the child.
But all the while, the child's and the parents identities must be kept confidential.
Which means that any other carer can potentially end up caring for this particular child - and none of us would be any the wiser. We could potentially be the next carer in the firing line, but they feel that they have no responsibility to disclose anything to us.

And what do they do for the carer herself, while the investigation is going on?
Nothing.
She's out in the cold and on her own.... regardless of how untrue this allegation may be.
Oh, they do give us access to counseling ( maybe to see the error of our ways) but there is no support given whatsoever.

The whole thing has left a very bad taste in my mouth - and I'm not the only one. We're all feeling pretty vulnerable... because each and every one of us could be in this carers shoes at any moment.

The thing that gets to me, is that a friend has recently been dealing with the sexual abuse of her two grand daughters, by the mothers new boyfriend. The evidence was there, the doctor concurred and gave a statement, the girls ( 4 and 6) had given statements to the police, but the eventual outcome was that everyone knew that he had done it, but because these were young children, there was no actual case. The courts won't take the word of a child, in spite of knowing that they were telling the truth.
Legally, the police can do nothing... the courts can do nothing...

But when it comes to my employer, they can make any decision they want to... and their word is law.

So yes... it's been a helluva week.

I'm off to take a couple of headache tablets and drink a big glass of water... anyone want one?

~~~~~

Added info:
I just realized when I re-read this, that it almost sounds like the issue with the carer is a sexual issue - which it's NOT.
The carer is merely accused of spanking a child who was in her care.
Which for those of us who know her, is something totally out of character and in our opinions at least... untrue.

20 comments:

Michaela Dunn Leeper said...

I'd go with wine!! It's a scary world out there, when the good ppl get the ax, and the ppl who really shouldn't have a goldfish, much less a child in their care are awarded children, so that the cycle can continue. Oh don't get me started!!!

I hear ya on the server issues. We are about to switch our provider because, quite frankly, they suck!!!

The Wife said...

Wow, you've had quite the week. I've learned over the years that management and common sense don't correlate! Hope your headache goes away.

Bz said...

OMWorrrrd!!! I absolutely don't know what to say. That -ON BOTH SIDES- (your 'higher-ups' and the friend with granddaughters) is atrocious. I swear, it's stuff like this that just makes me BURN. I am so sorry you're having a time of it. Some things are just NOT right. Sounds like it's going to take someone getting on the offensive to get things more even ...and that, unfortunately, would have to come after a firing of sorts. Let that person sue the caregiver company for unjust dismissal. But, I know....easier said than done and takes time and money..... **sighhhh** ...am sorry to hear your woes. Hope the h2o and headache tablets get you feeling better at least partially.

Paula said...

I know this is a hard thing to take. Funny that when some one is actually harmed nothing can be done but when it involves money (maybe suing someong) they fire that person. Sorry to hear about this and I know it is all to common now days. :(

Narelle said...

Sorry you've had such a blah week. My server did that last weekend and it drove us insane.....and being in the same industry I know what it's like to have parents, who have been the most lovely people in the world, turn into the DEVIL when something doesn't go there way and I've seen carers go through hell when someone makes a false allegation. Sometimes I really wonder why I do this job!

Anyway, you know I'm just a phone call away should you need to vent. Hope that headache goes away soon.

Libby's Library said...

Oh my sweet tater - I feel so bad for you right now, that I'm not even going to say the C word. Please know that I'm sending my love and prayers to you, right the very minute.

Anonymous said...

Kate, I'll drink a beer for ya! I know the work saga goes on....

Frances said...

Do you belong to a union? if not, find out, there IS one out there for you. Ask for advice NOW rather than when you may need it.

Contact Fair Trading, ask what RIGHTS you have. You have a RIGHT to be treated fairly.

Check the Terms of your present work contract, they are bound by that contract.

Becky said...

I'm gonna have a glass of wine and send good thoughts your way! Sorry you had a crappy week. Hope the headache goes away and doesn't ruin your whole weekend!

my word verification is derar.

Kate you are derar to me than you know!

Nancy M. said...

I'm sorry you've had such a bad week! I do hope it'll get better and that your headaches will go away. I can't believe they wouldn't do anything to that man who hurt those children, but they are stressing y'all so much! That is so wrong!

I hate it when anything interferes with my internet usage! {{HUGS}}

Homestay Mama said...

Dear Katie-Tatie, I'm sorry you've had such a bad week. Will be sending lots of good thoughts and prayers your way.

Irene said...

Hi Katie sorry to hear your have such a bugger of a week. I understand what you are going through with work DOCS are pretty amazing (not). sending love to you

Tania said...

Hello Kate, sorry to hear about your week.

This really annoys me too.

I have had terrible allegations made against me and my family by another carer a few years ago. Let me tell you that our family went through hell and back, never want to go down that road again. The allegation was proven to be false and in the end the other carer was asked to resign. I actually left fdc for eight months because of this. All I was given was a card with some strangers(councillor) phone number to go and see if I needed to. I did return to fdc (although I did seriously consider doing private care) because I love what I do, but it has left a rather sour taste in my mouth and a total distrust of people now, hence that is why I keep to myself.

I have since found out that we have a Care Provider's of South Australia(COSA)group that is run by carers. They are there for the carers and can help with any issues. Do you have something similar?

Hope your headache soon passes and your internet comes right. My internet has been dodgy as well this past week or so. It won't let me access some of my regular blogs?!?

Sending you love and best wishes,
xTania

Kurichan said...

So sorry to hear about all the troubles---sounds like it has been a helluva week for you...I hope the weekend is better! I should have made you take that bottle of Excedrine Migraine! Big hugs your way from the 3 stooges here...xoxox

Kathy said...

Katie I am sorry you've had such a trying week. I hope things pick up for you from here, Oh and by the way:You have been tagged. If you would care to play, open the sixth folder of my photos and choose the sixth photo, post it on my blog and tell something about it. Then select 6 other bloggers and send it to them.

Faithful said...

Hi..sorry to hear of your headache.I too suffer from migraine. I got good doctors help with the right medication and I hope you too find relief. As far as being a child care giver.. I did that too..for many years. The children were easy to understand but the parents were frustrating.

Reddirt Woman said...

I get so angry about both sides of this coin you presented. I think that the world gets upside down when stuff like this happens. Bless those two little ones. I hope they get some help.

I had problems all last week when I'd try to post comments on a number of blogs I read, both here in the States and in Aus.

I hope your headaches ease up.

Helen

Jan Mader said...

I'd go with Michaela...wine is what you need.

As for time...what's that??????

pam said...

Wow, that is scary. As a teacher, I worry about the same thing. We have to be so careful about what we say or do, and still the kids can say anything.

Treehouse Chef said...

Hang in there it will get better.


Feedjit

FEEDJIT Live Traffic Map


FEEDJIT Live Traffic Feed


Thanks for visiting!


Thank you Libby!

Honest Scrap Award

Honest Scrap Award
Powered By Blogger