In contrast to Gary’s readiness to accept strangers. Freida was watchful and seemed mistrustful of my rationale for being there. She was not as well fed as her brother and was rather unkempt and dirty looking. She answered our questions but seemed guarded with her choice of words. It was like she was telling us that it was her job to look after them and we were not needed there.

Other than, the house appeared clean and tidy, albeit sparsely decorated.

I would recommend that following this visit, we come back to the house and try to see the whole family. I would also like Freida’s school to be contacted regarding her attendance since her brother was born. It is my assumption that Freida has taken on the lion’s share of Gary’s care and is not leaving the house or going to school. She may also be missing meals so that he has enough to eat. Her demeanour is in accordance with what we would usually expect of a child of neglect.
I await your response
Ann Green
Social Worker

I remember this visit, bloody sticky beak. I was sure she was gonna take Gazza away. I think the old bat next door must have called them, cuz of the noise of dad going off his head.

Mum was still there then but it wouldn’t be long before she shot through. That’s when I gave school the big A and looked after Gary myself. I was hardly gonna leave the old man to do it was I? He was bloody useless, either passed out or lashing out. There was no way he was gonna hurt Gazza, he was the only good thing I had, and I loved the bloody bones of him.

Reading this, it does seem like they had me all figured out. I can imagine me at 11 scowling up and them, I think I even told her to piss off. Despite all the reports and concerns, nothing came of it though, did it? Surely someone could have stepped in and looked after me. Eleven years old, out of school, unable to read and bringing up a baby. I mean it wouldn’t have worked, I would have run if they had tried to help or take Gary anyway, but you’d think someone would a tried.
Right, what’s this one?