Chapter 2 The Client
899 Words
CHAPTER 2
THE CLIENT
Liz sat at her desk in a cubicle of several other staff within her community not-for-profit centre in Eaglemont, jotting down notes. The centre worked with the Northern Metropolitan regions of Victoria and focused on family intervention. Its aim was to connect children with foster carers while case managing broken families, mostly sole parents.
Her desk was cluttered with stacks of case files, in-trays of assigned tasks, scheduled assessments, and scattered stationery. Behind her was a shelf of books about social work policy and guidelines, family interventions, and case management for families.
She shifted her weight on the chair and stared at the woman across from her. “Okay, Camilla. I’ve placed your daughter with a foster carer until your brother gets down here from Queensland. So your job now is to attend the rehabilitation program in the city.” She handed her a document, and Camilla grabbed it with a shaky hand, the skin on her hands flaky and peeling.
“Is your mother coming down from Queensland too?”
Camilla shrugged. Dark circles under her eyes and her skinny physique showed how malnourished she was from substance abuse. Her blood-shot eyes made it appear that she’d relapsed recently. “Nah, Matthew said she’s having another procedure, so she’ll be staying with a friend until she recovers. She’ll probably come down for a visit. But probably not for six months, maybe less. Who knows?”
Liz took a breath. “I see.” She frowned. “Have you relapsed?” Camilla averted her eyes, pressing her lips together. “Camilla, it’s okay if you have. I mean, the point of rehabilitation is to work on those triggers to relapse. The important thing is that you learn from them and look at each relapse as a learning experience.”
“Hmm, maybe.” Camilla’s words were muffled.
“So what triggered you this time?” Liz wondered if the incidences with Camilla’s father had triggered her. She’d given a sketchy outline of the trauma he invoked.
“I’m not saying.”
“And why not? I’m only here to help, nothing more.” She sighed. “Do you want your daughter back?”
Camilla shot her a glare. “Of course, I do. She’s my life.”
Liz nodded. “Fair enough but know that you also have to do this for yourself. Remember how we mentioned that you need to be your top priority? That way you can best care for Mariana. Now what happened?”
“My ex dropped in and wanted to see Mariana, but I wouldn’t let him. He threatened to take her when I was asleep. Said he’d break into my house, take her, then disappear overseas. But he wouldn’t be able to get a passport because of his criminal record. The bastard.” She scratched hard at her skin. “But he doesn’t know she’s in foster care, thank God. But once I get her back, he might make good on his damn promise.”
Liz fought back the images of her own ex-boyfriend. The large fist, pounding into her. No, she refused to go there. She focused on the woman in front of her. “So you took the drugs because of your fear?”
“Yeah, but no way he’s taking her. No damn way.”
“Listen, she’s safe where she is right now, and later we’ll take measures to keep him away. If it comes to that.”
“No damn intervention order will keep him away. He won’t care about breaching it.”
The Victorian legal system had its faults, but that wasn’t something Liz could fix. Focus on what you can control, Liz. “I’m happy to come with you to the rehabilitation facility and get you settled in.”
“Thanks, Liz. Appreciate it.”
“Wait for me in reception and we’ll leave for the facility. Just give me a few minutes.”
Camilla nodded then left, holding her weathered oversized bag like it was a piece of treasure. Liz hoped that Camilla would stay clean this time, but considering her dark past, it would be the ultimate challenge.
Her manager and friend, Penny, approached her, holding a case file. Penny watched Camilla walk away. Liz was fortunate to have her as a supportive and easy-going manager. She threaded her hand through her strawberry-blonde hair, topping a face with smiling green eyes and dimples on her cheeks. “Let’s hope she stays clean.” Liz nodded. “This is Judy Jonesan who has alcohol and gambling addictions. She has a three-year old daughter, currently staying with an aunt. It’s yours. She’s scheduled to come in tomorrow, but don’t spend too much on the bio-psychosocial history as I got most of it in my notes there.”
After Penny left, Liz inserted the case file into a locked cabinet. A voice caught her attention and she turned to see Penny returning.
“Oh, remember how I mentioned the work placement student starting with us?”
Liz nodded. “Yeah, wasn’t it organised a few months ago? The one you said was adamant she work here because she loves kids?”
Penny held her hands across her waist. “That’s the one.” She cleared her throat. “Well, she’ll be starting next Monday, so be ready.”
“No worries.”
They said their goodbyes then Liz bent down to retrieve her bag from the large drawer at the bottom of her desk. She rose to leave with Camilla for the clinic and waved goodbye to one colleague who remained after a few others had left. Walking outside with Camilla, she savoured the spring air as the setting sun cast a light glow around her. But the worried expression on Camilla’s face made her wonder whether she’d relapse again.
Storm clouds were brewing in spite of the mild weather.
- Writer
