The corona pandemic came in March 2020. I was nearly finished with my last placement when lockdown measures were imposed. During this time my sons father was transferred to an open prison.
One sunny morning we was woken to knocking on the door and my sons name being shouted. Half asleep , with only a TShirt on, I peered through the window to see who it could be. As my mind and eyes came to focus my son was already down the stairs with the door open. He is nine years old and has a friend like relationship with his dad. As you can imagine he misses his dad very much.
Realising it was his dad, I asked what are you doing here. My child was scooped up in his arms as I checked my phone to realise the battery was dead.
Dad stated he was on weekend release, as he slurred his speech, looking through me with blood shocked eyes.
I imediatley knew he was lying. It is important to know dad is serving a prison sentence for a domestic violent incident involving a knife with his most recent ex partner. They started a relationship when my son was five and have a family of two children, both under three.
They have a restraining order and he knows he is not welcome or allowed near their home. My son has been visiting dad with his nana and comunicating with letters and phone calls.
On this bright sunny saturday morning after weeks of isolation for people on the outside of prison, it seems 23 hours lockdown to a cell had become to much for the prisoners.
I quickly scrambled to get my charger from upstairs to plug in the kitchen. Dad and my pride and joy were standing on the decking kicking the football and talking about a paddling pool day. My anxiousness and urgency for my phone, aroused dads suspicions. I could feel his tone change as he looked scared. I remained strong, telling him I don’ believe he should be here, without a guard or a phone call. My mum rang at this point and I was able to explain to someone outside of my house, he was here. I did not feel safe and my mothers instinct enabled her to recognise in my voice. She advised me to ring his mum to check, assuming she will help, with him being her only son. I rang she did not answer.
I txted dads mum: dad is here he said on day release?
She replied: Hes lying get him out .
How?
She replied shal I ring the police.
At this point his suspicion take over and he interrogates my motives. Who are you talking to ? Can I use your phone?.
I point out my strength because I felt so weak, and could recognise his switch in attitude, totally effect my nerves, my knees and ability to think straight.
His mum tx again and he asks can he ring her. I handed him the phone he dialed, again no answer. He noticed the txt message about ringing the police.
See part 2
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#23hourslockedup #dad #manchester
Singles Mother/social Worker perspective in Wythenshawe 