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Play Script: Complex Lives

Teachers' sheet

COMPLEX LIVES: DRAMA ACTIVITIES

This one-act play has been specially written to provide an additional resource for teachers, which may be used for role play in a drama class or as a vehicle for
discussion within social education.

The suggestions below are neither compulsory nor comprehensive but are provided as a starting point.

Activities

1. Assign roles to pupils (or pupils self select) and ask them to read or act out the play in role. Stop just before the point where the panel members make their decision and ask them to guess what the panel members will decide. Complete the play and discuss the outcome and their reactions to this. Is this the decision they would have made?

2. In small groups, pupils choose a role and read or act out just the scene at the Hearing. Ask the pupils to discuss how it felt to be in that role. Now ask pupils to change roles and act out the scene again. For example, Lisa might become the social worker, a panel member might become Dad. Ask how it is to look at the situation from another point of view and identify any differences in perspective.

Discussion

You may wish to lead a discussion around the following questions:

a) How did Lisa feel about going to her Hearing before speaking to her social worker? Do you think she felt differently after speaking to the social worker?

b) Do you think Lisa understood the reason for the Hearing? What other information could she have been given before the Hearing? Who should do this?

c) How difficult do you think it was for Lisa to be able to put her views to the Hearing? Did the panel members take her views seriously? How could it be made easier for young people to do this at a Hearing?

d) Do you think the panel members made the right decision? Was Lisa happy with the decision? Was there any other decision the panel members could have made? What might have happened if they had made a different decision?

e) How will Lisa's life be different now that she is living with Auntie Jackie?

Additional areas for discussion

• The effect that parents' problems have on families
• Criminal activity and what that means for children and young people and their families
• Friendship and the difficulty of conflict
• Social work and the role of outside support agencies
• Risk-taking behaviour and why Lisa was at risk at the party: for example, sexual advances from older men, spiked drinks, walking home alone.

COMPLEX LIVES - A drama by Fiona Scott

Developed for performance by WHALE Arts Agency and Moving Parts Theatre Company

Context

Lisa and her Dad live in a housing scheme. They have been part of the community for four years since mum left. Dad has little hope of finding work; the family survive on the breadline.

Characters

Lisa 12 years old, frequently in trouble with the police for minor offences.

Dad 29 years old, unemployed, low skilled, caught in benefit trap, high alcohol consumption.

Aunt Jackie Lisa's aunt. Lives close by and provides family support.

Social worker Involved with the family for four years since mum left.

Michael 16 years old, Lisa's cousin, James' friend.

James 17-year-old local lad.

Ron Dowell Panel member and Chair of Hearing.

Lucy Jones Panel member.

Paul Smith Panel member.

Juliet Dixon Children's Reporter.

Crisis
Dad finds it difficult to manage Lisa on his own. He frequently provides her with alcohol.
On one of these occasions Lisa leaves the house to attend a party. When she returns home she can't get in and goes to Aunt Jackie's house. The experience has shaken her.

Outcome
Lisa uses her right to speak to the panel members without her Dad present. She asks for a family placement with her aunt as she finds it difficult to deal with her Dad's drinking and the responsibilities placed on her.

Performance requirements
Complex Lives can be performed in any reasonable space. The piece doesn't require a huge amount of set; one wooden box painted black (dimensions 4'x2'x2' approx.) and four chairs.

Scene one

(Each set of characters is performing independently in their own home - Dad singing and drinking, Lisa in bed, Jackie loading the washing machine, social worker carrying out bedtime routine and feeding the cat.)

Dad (singing) 'Tell her not to cry, I ain't holding on no more. Tell her something in my mind freezes up from time to time. Like the laughter of a clown.'

Jackie Michael, get this stuff sorted for school in the morning. I'll not be running about after you tomorrow. I don't want to hear a word, just get on with it!

Social worker Biscuit, come here puss. Dinnertime. Come on baby, teatime. Biscuit, in you come, it's cold out there. Now what will we have? Lamb and turkey? Chicken? OK, that's the one.

Dad (singing) 'Tell her nothing if not this, all I want to do is kiss her. Tell her not to cry.'

Lisa I'm knackered, I was up till half two last night. I have to go in tomorrow. It's Miss Templeton first period and she's really nice. We've got the social worker after school as well. I don't want to look awful, that just means more questions.

(Jackie exits with a bundle of washing, muttering to herself. Social worker exits looking for cat. Conversation between Lisa and Dad is carried out in their own separate spaces.)

Dad Leeease, you still awake? Lisa. I wanted to talk to you. Just for a wee minute.

Lisa Here we go again, every time he has a drink. This is doing my head in. I know it off by heart.

Dad Who do you love?

Lisa See what I mean? It's like a broken record.

Dad Who are we? We are the champions.

Lisa Next.

Dad We do OK, don't we kid?

Lisa Course we do, if this is what you call OK.

Dad I remember the day you were born, a rainbow appeared over the hospital.
(Together)

Lisa A rainbow appeared over the hospital.

Dad I was the happiest man in the world.

Lisa We were young, mind.

(Together)

Dad We were young, mind. Didn't realise how much you would change our lives. Your mum used to sing to you and tell you…

Lisa She loved me to the moon and back again. She loved me more than butter on toast. She loved me like…

Dad A flower loves the sun. It's just a shame she didn't love me as much. Come and have a wee drink with your old man.

Lisa See how much good it did me. Stuck here with him.

Dad I've got cider, your favourite. Just come and sit with me for a bit. I don't get to see you.

Lisa I'm here though, that's the thing. I'm here and no one listens to me. No one notices. They all pretend to care. They all say they know how it feels. Well, that's rubbish. How can they? They don't know what it's like to watch your Dad get hammered and then burst into tears.

Dad I love you, Lisa. I love you more than life. I'll look after you. I won't let anyone hurt you the way I've been shafted. I'd kill them first. I won't let anyone hurt my wee girl.

Lisa I know, I know, I've heard it all before. I love you too.

Scene 2

Social Work Visit (Lisa in room getting ready. Doorbell goes.)

Lisa (mutters) Social worker! (opens door)

Social worker Hiya, Lisa. Good to see you. How're things?

Lisa You tell me. That's what usually happens!

Social worker Ouch! That one hurt. It's as well I know you. You had a bad day?

Lisa Is there any other kind?

Social worker Course there is. Last time I saw you we had a right laugh. What changed?

Lisa Just the usual rubbish.

Social worker Are you nervous about the Children's Hearing? If I remember rightly, you got quite uptight before the last one.

Lisa Trying to say you wouldn't? Sitting there in front of a bunch of strangers asking you stupid questions.

Social worker I know it can feel a bit scary. Just try to remember they're normal people, someone's auntie, sister or Dad. You know why the panel was called don't you?

Lisa Suppose so.

Social worker This panel was arranged because there have been concerns about how your Dad is managing to look after you.

Lisa My Dad's OK, he just gets miserable. Trying to say you wouldn't?

Social worker Not at all Lisa. I can understand it's very difficult for him. My job, though, is to make sure that you're OK.

Lisa I've just told you I'm OK. It's not like he hits me or anything, is it? He just needs someone to speak to.

Social worker Lisa, a girl your age is too young to be supporting an adult through their emotional problems.

Lisa That's what families do though, isn't it?

Social worker It's a big part of being a family, yes. But I think that at 12 it should be you that receives support instead of giving it.

Lisa I do get support, and my Auntie Jackie keeps it real.

Social worker I know she does. Look, I'm not here to say what's right or wrong. But we're responsible for making sure you're alright.

Lisa I go to school. I've not been in trouble with school in ages.

Social worker I know you try hard, Lisa. It's just that the last few months there's been a big change in how often you're there.

Lisa Am I in trouble cos of that boy's fence? I only put my name on it. I don't see what the riot is about.

Social worker No riot, Lisa. Just a Hearing to look at working out a solution to getting you the kind of support and care a child like you needs.

Lisa Child? You having a laugh? I bet I've got more of a clue than you have.

Social worker That's what I'm worried about, Lisa. You're 12. You should be chilling with your friends, relaxed. Not having adult problems put on you.

(Social worker and Lisa continue conversation in mime. Enter James and Michael. No interaction. They utilise the space.)

James Where does Lisa stay? She's a bit of wild one, eh? I thought her bottle would've crashed when she got caught with that woman's purse. Cool and calm (whistles).

(Social worker and Lisa freeze, creating a tableau of intimate conversation.)

Michael Yeah, she's got some brass neck, I would have just run away. Not our Lisa.

(Lisa breaks out of tableaux to deliver lines and returns.)

Lisa "I was just looking for you Mrs, is this your purse? I thought you might need it."

James And she scores a fiver out of it! She's mental. I like her style. I can see her and me going places.

Michael The only place you're going is Craigie Young Offenders. You'd better not even think about taking Lisa down with you; my mum would kill you. She's in enough trouble as it is.

Lisa Somebody is always on at me for something. Lisa, come and talk to me. Lisa, why are you late? Lisa, go and tap a tenner off Jackie. Lisa, what's for tea? Come and have a drink, hen. It's not like I'm robbing banks. I'm just doing my own thing… when I can.

James What makes you think I'd get her in trouble? Anyway, your mum loves me; she can't resist my male charm. A couple of compliments on her figure and she'll be eating out of my hand.

Michael Don't kid yourself, mate. Especially when it comes to our Lisa.

Lisa My Auntie Jackie's cool. Michael's a bit of a straight peg but sound enough.

James Yeah right, I know she's cool but she's not that special. Might be quite tidy if she was a wee bit older.

Michael You perv, you saying you fancy my wee cousin? She's only 12!

Lisa I met his pal at the shops, James. He's really nice…

James I'm not saying I fancy her. Just that she'll be tidy when she's older. What are you saying anyway? You got off with Chantelle and she's in the same year.

Michael That was different. Chantelle looks older, and she acts older. She's different!

James So you're saying your cousin's a bairn.

Lisa I hope he doesn't think I'm just a bairn.

Michael No! I mean yes! I don't know! She's not a bairn.

James You're telling me. I've not seen anyone else with balls like her before. When do I get to meet the mother?

Lisa Since mum left everybody tries to wrap me up in cotton wool. I'm not a silly wee lassie. It's me that keeps it all together. If it wasn't for me, I don't know what…

Michael You're away with it, her mum's not about anymore. She's too old for her age. She knows grown up stuff like how to swindle the leccy, use a power card twice.

Lisa I think they forget that I've had to take her place and make sure my Dad is OK.

James Clever lassie. Like I said, I can see her and me going places.

Michael She knows all that stuff cos my uncle is away with the goalie. Sometimes she's like a cut down adult.

James What are you saying about your uncle? Is he wired to the moon?

Michael It's not funny; seriously, my mum says he doesn't cope very well.

Lisa My Dad's all right. He just gets miserable after a drink. He doesn't hit me. If anything he'll kill me with kindness. He always wants to keep me close, until he's had a bevy.

Michael Shut it, James. He's a bevy merchant. Not a wino or anything like that. He's not even an alcoholic. He just drinks too much.

James That's like my grand-dad too. Every Saturday away down to the Dog and Duck for his weekly pint. My granny phones me and I have to carry him back. I shouldn't complain; it's always a winner with cash. He's not got a scooby.

Lisa He wants me to be round him all the time so he can take care of me, or me take care of him. That shouldn't matter though, should it? That's what families are for, I suppose.

Michael Glad I'm not the only one with a mad family. Forget that lot anyway. What about the party?

James Spud and Ramsey reckon it's cool for drink. It's some boy's 18th. Checking the talent!

(Boys exit doing a series of complicated high five hand gestures. Social worker stands, mimes pulling on a coat.)

Social worker I'll see you tomorrow then. Is there anything else you want to talk about before the Hearing? I'll come for you an hour before so that we can have a chat.

Lisa Do you think they'll put me away? Send me to some home? I could go to my Aunt Jackie's. She'd have me.

Social worker Why would they want to put you in a home?

Lisa Well, I keep getting in trouble. That's what happens isn't it? You get in trouble, then they just throw you in the back of a car and you have to live with people you don't know. You don't even get time to say goodbye.

Social worker Oh Lisa, the last thing the children's panel wants is to take anyone from their home. That only happens if the Hearing feels there's no other choice and it's in the best interests of the young person.

Lisa But they're watching me. It feels like everyone is waiting for me to screw up.

Social worker They're not watching you. They're normal people doing normal things. The role of the panel members is to watch out for you.

Lisa Aye right, I've heard the stories. Like sending kids to homes is watching out for them.

Social worker It's not like that, Lisa. Panel members and social workers do everything they can to keep families together. The panel members really listen to children. It's changed days, kid. The panel members take into account what is best for the child and that normally means staying in contact with family.

Lisa But you hear about it all the time. Teenagers getting put behind bars and tagged and those APSOs…

Social workerASBOs,* you doughnut. You been reading the Sun again? None of that stuff applies to you. You are going to a Hearing because when your Dad drinks too much, he isn't able to look after you properly.

Antisocial Behaviour Order*

Lisa A woman's work is never done. I do the cooking, the cleaning, the darning, the windows, the shopping …

Social worker I'm being serious Lisa. It's not right you to have so many responsibilities.

Lisa We do OK.

Social worker Maybe OK isn't good enough.

(Lisa's mobile phone rings. James enters backstage.)

Social worker I'll leave you to get that. See you tomorrow about half ten.

James Hiya Lisa. Remember me. I was with Michael in the shop.

Lisa Course I remember you. I thought you were going to lose it when that woman came up to me about the purse.

James Hardly. How lucky are you, scoring a fiver out of it! Nice one. What are you doing later?

Lisa Nothing much. Chilling out.

James Fancy coming to a party with me? It's an 18th over in Belmont. Starts about nine.

Lisa Sounds good.

James We'll need to get some drink. You got any?

Lisa It's cool, I'll get some off my Dad.

James Will he not mind?

Lisa The drink? No, he's cool. I'll have to sneak out though.

James You're a wild one. I'll see you at the phone box at half eight then.

Lisa See you there.

Scene 3

(Lisa dances round the space singing. Mimes trying on several outfits. Dad enters. Lisa hides the clothing.)

Dad Hiya kid. How you doing?

Lisa Good. I'm a bit tired. I think I might catch a bath and an early night.

Dad Or you could spend some time with your old man. We could watch telly and have a wee drink.

Lisa Got any cider left or did you down it last night?

Dad I've just been and got some more. There's plenty. Go and get us a couple of glasses. So what have you been up to?

Lisa You know fine well. I was with the social worker after school because of the Hearing tomorrow.

Dad Just you remember, as long as we stick together we'll be fine. If only your mother had stuck to that we wouldn't be in this mess. I never drank a drop until she left you know…

Lisa You never drank a drop until she left.

(Lisa exits to rear of stage. Time passes, shown by Dad drinking and muttering to himself. Snippets of incoherent speech are heard. James enters back stage, waiting impatiently, rings Lisa.)

James Where are you! I've been down here for about an hour.

Lisa I can't get away. He's still awake. Just wait for me.

James Did you get some drink? I've got money to get juice.

Lisa He's nearly drank the lot, he's dancing round the sitting room to Del Amitri. He's a nightmare. Next it will be the big tears, greeting for my mum. Stupid cow!

James Just tell him you're going round to Jackie's.

Lisa That just makes him worse, saying that I don't love him and everybody leaves him.

James You need to get something sorted, I'm not hanging about here all day. Just tell him you're going out.

Lisa I've got to go. I'll no be long, just wait. I said I would be there and I will.

James Aye, whatever, just hurry.

(Lisa picks up booze and sneaks out the house.)

Dad 'Tell her not to cry, I ain't holding on no more. Tell her nothing if not this, all I want to do is kiss her.' Leeeeesa, come and see your old man. Lisa. Lisa!

(Dad looking for Lisa, he is clearly distressed. Slumps on her bed, head in hands. Exits to look for her.)

James I thought you'd never get here. Come on. Did you get the drink?

Lisa Yeah, I got cider. Do you like that?

James That will do nicely. So you ever been to a house party before?

Lisa Course I have.

James Does your Dad not mind? Let's stop here and drink this. We can get tanked before we go in.

LisaOK. My Dad's fine. Anyway he can only be bothered about what he knows.

James Too true. Michael's a good guy, eh? Says your Aunt Jackie's got a right soft spot for you.

Lisa She is my auntie!

James I know. Mikey was saying I'd get slaughtered if she knew you were with me.

Lisa Aye well, what they don't know... Do you want the last bit?

James No, you go for it. I'll get us more when we get in.

Lisa So is Michael meeting us at the party?

James He phoned with some pathetic excuse. Homework, I think. He's not going.

Lisa Oh, maybe I'll just leave it then.

James Don't be daft, stick with me, you'll be fine. We'll have a laugh.

(All actors make the party action. Main focus of Lisa looking uncomfortable and out of her depth. Stumbles to James, waves goodbye and vomits on exit.)

Scene 4

Jackie You're fine, don't worry. When it comes up you'll feel much better. Where have you been?

Lisa I don't know.

Jackie You been with your old man?

Lisa I still feel sick. It's coming again.

Jackie Just breathe and relax. You've overdone it. You don't know your…

Lisa I'm sorry, Aunt Jackie. I'm really sorry. I feel horrible.

Jackie Don't you worry, kid. We'll soon have you right as rain. A good night's sleep will put you back together again.

(Jackie kisses her good night, takes mobile phone, makes several attempts to call. Jackie and Lisa change position to show it is now the following morning. Jackie responds to door knock.)

Jackie Lisa, are you ready? She'll be here just now.

Social worker I couldn't understand a word on the mobile. Tell me what happened. I don't think I've ever heard you as upset. Did he hit you?

Lisa Don't be stupid! He locked me out at two this morning.

Social worker Who were you with? What were you doing out at that time of night?

Jackie Now you're asking. Who were you with, Lisa? What new pal is this you've made? Pals my backside.

Lisa I know them, they're fine.

Jackie So it's fine, is it, to have a 12-year-old lassie out of her face at a party full of grown men.

Lisa I wasn't out of my face. It was an 18th.

Jackie That, young lady, is not the way I saw it. Stinking of booze, full of tears and sick as a dog. Lisa, anything could have happened to you, the state you were in. You are a child, not a grown up!

Social worker Jackie, I know you're upset. But maybe this would be better if I heard it from Lisa. Is that OK with you, Lisa? Do you want Jackie to stay?

Lisa She can stay if she wants but I'm not changing my mind. I'm not going back.

Social worker Let's just see how things go for the meantime, will we. So in your own words, tell me what happened.

(Enter Michael and James.)

Michael What are you all about?

James Eh?

Michael Lisa. Half two this morning she ends up at our door in floods of tears. What did you do to her?

James I didn't do anything. I was dancing with Kerry when she left. She said she was drunk, felt sick and wanted to go.

Michael And you just left her by herself?

James Easy, tiger. I'm not her Dad. We just went to a party together.

Social worker Come on then, tell me what happened.

Lisa It was just a bit of fun.

(Together)

James It was just a bit of fun.

Lisa I was dead chuffed when James asked me to go to the party with him.

James I thought Lisa would be a laugh to hang about with.

Lisa I didn't know Michael wasn't going to be there.

James I didn't realise the mess she was in.

Michael You're 17. It's pretty obvious. Did you give her the drink?

James No, she brought it with her. We had cider and then she pulled out a half bottle of whisky.

Michael And you didn't think that was over the score?

James I didn't think about it. I thought her Dad must have let her have it. I thought she could handle it.

Michael Like that's going to happen.

James It was you that said her Dad was wired.

(Boys freeze, break out to deliver dialogue and refreeze.)

Social worker Your Dad didn't mention anything to me when I went to get you this morning.

Jackie He didn't even realise she wasn't in, not until I called this morning and woke him out of a drunken stupor. This isn't good enough. She's a child for heaven's sake.

Lisa I want Auntie Jackie to come to my panel.

Jackie That's fine, kid. Come on, we'd better get moving then.

Michael Why did you take her to the party? You said you were going to give it a miss.

James She told me she could get drink from her Dad and I was skint. It was you said he was a bevy merchant.

Michael That doesn't make what you did any better. You're scum taking a len of my wee cousin like that. It's no wonder she left you. She's only 12. Don't you get that?

James I didn't mean to upset her. I got pretty bevied and I forgot she's so young. It's the way she handles herself.

Michael I'm having nothing to do with you. Lisa's had enough to put up with without scum like you piling on more.

James I didn't mean this to happen. I just thought we'd go to the party and have a laugh. I didn't mean any of this, Mike. Straight up.

Michael Don't bother. You've not got a clue. She's got a Children's Hearing today. How's that going to look? If they take her away from her family it's all going to be your fault. See if you can still be bothered with her when she's in a home!

Scene 5

Children's Hearing (outside hearing room)

Reporter Good morning Lisa. How are you? Do you have any questions before we go in?

Lisa Is my Dad here yet?

Reporter Not so far. We'll give him a few minutes.

Lisa Does he have to come in? I don't want him there.

Reporter I'm sorry to hear that. Is there any reason why?

Social worker There's been a bit of an incident.

Lisa I don't want him in. I'm sick of it all.

Reporter I'm really sorry, Lisa. Your Dad has a right and duty to be part of the Hearing. But the panel members can ask your Dad to leave the Hearing if him being there is upsetting for you. It's your Hearing and the panel members will be really interested in what you say and what you think.

Social worker Remember you can ask to speak to the panel without your Dad in the room. Just give me a nod if you want to do that and I'll ask the panel members if they will ask him to leave.

(Dad arrives looking dishevelled and sheepish.)

Dad You OK, Lisa? I was worried about you. Jackie phoned this morning to say you stayed with her. It's not like you stay out.

Lisa What do you expect? I couldn't get in. I was at the door for ages and it was freezing.

(Everyone enters the Hearing room, where the panel members are seated together.)

Chair Hello, Lisa. Come and sit down. My name is Ron Dowell and I'm chairing your Hearing today. The other panel members are Paul Smith and Lucy Jones. We will be making any decisions about you today. This is Mrs Juliet Dixon, the Reporter who organised the Hearing.

(Lisa nods in the direction of each as she speaks.)

Chair So before we begin, can you confirm your full name for us please?

Lisa Lisa Fulton.

Chair Your social worker has asked for the Hearing today as she is a bit worried about how your Dad is looking after you at the moment. We will want to talk to you and your Dad about this. It's really important that you tell us how things are for you. OK?

Lisa I think so.

Lucy Lisa, we're a bit worried about how much responsibility you have at home, as you're only 12. Maybe Dad, you could tell us how things have been going over the last few months.

Dad Em, right. Well it's been tough, but that's normal isn't it? Every family has rough patches. We do OK though, don't we?

Lucy I suppose that depends on how it affects Lisa. Do you want to tell us how things have been going for you Lisa?

(Lisa remains quiet.)

Paul I know that this can be difficult Lisa. Just take your time.

(Lisa motions to social worker.)

Social worker Lisa asked earlier for the chance to speak with the panel members on her own. I think it would be useful now.

Chair No problem, Lisa. As long as you understand that whatever we discuss, I will have to share with your Dad when he comes back in to the room.

Jackie We'll just be outside kid. Don't you worry, just say how you're feeling.

(Dad and Jackie exit.)

Chair As Paul said, we understand this can be difficult, so just take your time.

Lisa I don't want my Dad to get in trouble. He doesn't really do anything wrong. Not really.

(Silence)

Lucy Sometimes it's as much about what a parent doesn't do.

Social worker Maybe you could start with last night. You were feeling quite angry about it this morning.

Lisa I know but I don't want my Dad getting charged or anything.

Chair Don't worry, Lisa, we are here to decide what is best for you. We don't have any powers like that over your Dad.

Lisa I got locked out last night. It was probably my own fault cos I went to a party.

Paul Can you tell us a little more. Did your Dad know you were out? Did you forget your keys?

(Lisa stands and talks to the audience, panel members respond to her dialogue in real time.)

Lisa I told him I was having an early night. We were sitting having a drink. Well I didn't, I was saving it for going to the party. He didn't notice. I just kept him talking. It's easy to keep him talking. All you have to do is bring up my mum. It wasn't really his fault cos I knew if I got him started on her… Well I just knew. So once he got through his bottle I said I was going to my bed. I went and met James.

Chair So Dad didn't know you were out?

Lisa How would he? He was minging. I never even thought about taking my keys. I thought I would be able to get back in. It was horrible, I spewed loads. Too much cider. I was trying to be cool in front of James. Don't know why I bothered. He was too busy trying to get off with some girl. It was like I wasn't there.

LucyOK, Lisa. You sneaked out and couldn't get back in again. I'm a bit concerned about you drinking with Dad. Is this something that has happened before?

Lisa I've not been locked out before. I drink with my Dad all the time. That's when he wants to talk about mum. Well, I don't do it all the time cos when I've got school I try and get to my bed. But it's really hard cos he gets all upset and says I'm the only thing he's got. That's why I have to keep an eye on him. I get really worried that he might do something stupid. You know, like taking tablets or something.

Social worker You mentioned school, Lisa. I know you've been trying really hard with school and we've seen a big improvement in your attendance. Does Dad help in making sure you get there?

Lisa Not really. He keeps me awake wanting to talk. If he's not doing that then he's singing that stupid song at the top of his voice. I can't sleep. Then I get worried about him. Then I still can't sleep. He doesn't mean it, though. If I do stay off, it's only cos I can't open my eyes in the morning. I try not stay off when I've got English and maths. I know I need them to get a job.

Social worker You were talking to me about Jackie this morning, Lisa. Can you tell the panel members what you were thinking about?

Lisa I just wanted a break. I don't want to go away, like to a home or that. I just wanted a bit of chill time. It's really hard when he gets really miserable and starts crying about my mum. I think we're better off without her. Last night did me in. I was really scared and I couldn't get back in. I know it was my own fault, but I just wanted to go out and have a laugh. I'm sick of doing everything. I'm sick of watching out for him and making sure he's OK. I'm knackered. I don't want him to be upset, but I don't want to be at the house. He's only thinking about him. I know he tries. But I can't handle it any more.

Chair Thanks, Lisa. I can see you're feeling quite upset about this at the moment. Do you think there is a possibility that things might settle down in a few days?

Lisa No, I don't think it will blow over in a couple of days. I don't want to be there. I want to be at my Auntie Jackie's. She said I could. I'd still be able to see my Dad, wouldn't I?

Chair I think we should talk to Jackie, don't you? (Calls them back in.) Thank you both for your patience. I'll give you a summary of the discussion we've had. Feel free to stop me, Lisa, if there's anything I miss. We asked Lisa how she thought it was going at home.

Lisa (Talking to audience) I just had to say. I made sure my Dad wouldn't get in trouble first. I felt horrible when they were asking him questions about stuff. Drinking and that. He was OK though. He says he's going to stop drinking. I said I would go back when he did. He's not bad; it just gets sort of mental sometimes. Jackie has him over every Tuesday for tea. It's all right. We do OK, don't we?

The End

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