Interview with advocacy writer Jo Cooling

Writer Jo Cooling chats with me today about her new inspirational, social issues advocacy book, Child Protection Behind Closed Doors.

During her virtual book tour, Jo will be giving away a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn participant. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:
Jo Cooling grew up in a lively household with two brothers—one older and one younger—who seemed to believe their mission was to make her life as entertainingly challenging as possible. From cutting up her doll house to throwing her into a blackberry bush, their antics were endless.

Jo and her brothers spent much of their childhood as competitive swimmers, a pursuit that took up a significant amount of their time. Their mum would prepare hot baked beans in thermoses for the journey home after training. Jo vividly recalls the inevitable moment when her brothers, having consumed their meal, would wind up the car windows, finding great amusement in the ensuing situation.

As they grew up, Jo’s older brother became an Associate Manager at a highly reputable hospital, while her younger brother successfully established his own business. Jo pursued a career as a social worker in Child Protection before resigning and transitioning to become an author.

From 2012, when she left Child Protection, to 2024, Joann felt like her life was on hold as she struggled with her epilepsy. The condition reached its worst in 2024, when she suffered a stroke. Remarkably, this event seemed to awaken her from a figurative coma, and her family and friends noted, “It’s like you’re a different person; we have the old Jo back.”

Jo loves to keep busy and continually sets herself new challenges. While writing, she sought a relaxing hobby to balance the time spent in front of the computer, especially considering her osteoporosis. To the surprise of everyone who knew her, she took up baking. Her husband’s colleagues often served as willing test subjects for her cookies and cupcakes. If they didn’t fall ill or get sick from her treats, they were deemed winners and added to her recipe catalogue.

Her baking business is slowly growing, and Jo sets herself challenges to ensure her creations stand out in the market. Recently, she brought some cupcakes to her hairdresser, who shared them with clients. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive: “These are amazing; I have never had anything like this before.”

Jo is immensely grateful that she can now drive again, though she sometimes wonders if she has become a more careful driver or if there are simply more reckless drivers on the road.

Her story would be incomplete without mentioning her two beautiful fur babies, who have provided her with comfort on the toughest days. Zeena, her two-year-old 3kg miniature Cavoodle, runs the household and manages her brother Bentley, a three-year-old 10kg Cavoodle. Despite their size difference, Zeena’s authority is undeniable—if she wants Bentley’s spot on the couch, he dutifully gives it up. Their bond is evident; for instance, when Bentley accidentally locked himself in the bathroom, Zeena promptly pushed the door open to free him. Bentley, who has a charming case of obsessive-compulsive disorder, performs a daily ritual of poking objects and sometimes people as he goes about his day.

Welcome, Jo. Please tell us about your current release.
Discover the Untold Realities of Child Protection in Child Protection Behind Closed Doors
In Child Protection Behind Closed Doors, I open the door to a world shrouded in secrecy, where the tireless efforts of Child Protection workers often go unnoticed, and the harrowing truths remain hidden from the public eye. This book is not just another exposé; it is a clarion call for change, a must-read for anyone who cares about the well-being of our society’s most vulnerable members—our children.

A Riveting Insider’s Perspective
Drawing on my years of experience within the child protection system, I offer readers an unprecedented look at the daily challenges faced by those on the front lines. With an unflinching eye, I delve into the systemic issues that plague the sector, from pervasive bullying and dangerous management decisions to the critical lack of support from leadership. These firsthand accounts shed light on the immense difficulties and sometimes perilous situations encountered by Child Protection workers, providing a raw and authentic narrative that is both enlightening and heart-wrenching.

Unmasking the Hidden Crisis
Child Protection Behind Closed Doors is a powerful reminder of the real-world impact of a broken system. It reveals the stark realities of substance abuse, the cycle of neglect, and the dangerous environments that many children find themselves in. By exposing these truths, the book aims to ignite critical conversations about the urgent need for reform and the steps necessary to create a more effective and compassionate Child Protection system.

A Catalyst for Change
This book is not just a documentation of problems; it is a beacon of hope and a roadmap for solutions. It encourages readers to question the status quo and become advocates for meaningful change. By understanding the root causes of the issues within Child Protection, readers can be better equipped to support reform efforts and hold those in power accountable for their actions.

Why This Book Matters Now
In 2024, the challenges within the Child Protection system remain as pressing as ever. Despite numerous reforms and initiatives, the fundamental issues persist. Child Protection Behind Closed Doors comes at a crucial time, providing a timely and necessary examination of the current state of affairs. It serves as a reminder that the fight for the safety and well-being of our children is far from over and that we must remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to protect them.

For Whom This Book Is Written
This book is for everyone who cares about child welfare—parents, educators, social workers, policymakers, and concerned citizens. It is for those who believe in the power of truth to drive change and who are committed to creating a safer and more just world for our children. Whether you are directly involved in the Child Protection sector or simply want to understand more about the challenges faced by those who are, Child Protection Behind Closed Doors offers invaluable insights and a call to action that cannot be ignored.

Praise for Child Protection Behind Closed Doors
Early readers have described the book as “eye-opening,” “heartbreaking,” and “a must-read for anyone who cares about child welfare.” Critics have praised its candidness, the depth of its analysis, and its unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. By sharing my story and the stories of those who have lived through these experiences, I hope to honour the resilience and dedication of Child Protection workers and to inspire others to join the fight for a better system.

Join the Conversation
I invite you to join me on this journey, to open your heart and mind to the realities of Child Protection, and to become an advocate for change. Child Protection Behind Closed Doors is more than a book; it is a movement towards justice, compassion, and a brighter future for all children. Let us stand together, informed and inspired, ready to make a difference.

What inspired you to write this book?
Initially, I was writing my story as a mental health exercise, until I received a phone call from a retired Child Protection Supervisor who informed me that after I left work, management had directed my colleagues to cease all contact with me. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I had left work for medical reasons, having been diagnosed with epilepsy three years earlier. My condition involved full-body seizures where I stopped breathing, and I felt this could place other people and children in danger as the seizures became more frequent.

When I left work, I was at my lowest point mentally. I had lost my job, my independence as I could no longer drive, and I became depressed. Discovering that Child Protection Management had further added to my suffering by taking away my lifeline was devastating. All my experiences of bullying and other systemic issues that have plagued Child Protection—not only in Australia but worldwide—were deeply troubling. These issues included a lack of support from management, drug-taking, overworked staff, and poor decisions made by management and workers.

My personal experiences and the harsh realities of the child protection system were at the forefront of what encouraged me to address my own mental health. Exposing my experiences of bullying and loss allowed me to grow as a person and rise up against behaviours that had become acceptable. I hope to address these issues and bring about change in an industry that has long plagued our society. These are the reasons I decided to write my story and, hopefully, prevent others from going through what I endured.

Excerpt from Child Protection Behind Closed Doors:
How Did You Stab Your Husband?

We received a report regarding a father who had just been released from prison and had returned to the family home. Normally, that would not be grounds to make a report; however, on this occasion, the last time the mother and father were together, the mother stabbed the father.

Although the children were all over the age of fifteen and had some capacity to self-protect, we decided to do a home visit with the police just to ensure that the mother had gotten over her necessity to stab her husband.

When we arrived, a work colleague, two police officers, and I entered the family home. The children and the parents were all in the lounge room watching television. I explained the reason why we were attending the house. Furthermore, we were ensuring that if the family required any further assistance, we could refer the family to outside support services.

The mother said they were fine and no outside services were needed. I stated to the mother, “The last time you and your husband were together, you stabbed him.” The mother replied, “I was cutting pumpkin and the knife slipped, and I accidentally stabbed him.” I said to the mother, “Being a connoisseur of cutting pumpkins, I have never stabbed anyone; however, maybe from now on, when you cut pumpkins, make sure no one is in the kitchen.” I turned around and the police officers had left the house.

We ended the interview and informed the family that the case would be closed without further action.

When we got outside, I approached the police officers, who were absolutely pissing themselves laughing. The female police officer said to me, “I can’t believe you said that to the mother. We believe she did not stab him by accident, but to come out and say it, and without laughing . . . nice job.”

Relationships are hard work.

They take commitment, trust, love, friendship, and patience.

If your relationship is missing these spices, it might be time to change the recipe or the vegetable in this case.

What exciting project are you working on next?
Looking ahead, I am excited about my second novel. Just like my first, I will not hold back. This upcoming novel promises to put everyone in the firing line. If you’ve ever been ripped off, treated unfairly, abused, or found yourself in a lousy situation, you’ll relate to and appreciate my next work. Keep an eye out for my name in 2025—you won’t be disappointed.

I also want to spend more time creating new baking treats in the kitchen.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I still find it quite surreal to see my name on a book and to call myself an author. Writing stories has always been something I enjoyed, even as a kid, but becoming a writer was never on my to-do list or something I actively pursued. However, I am very proud of my accomplishments. Now that I have written one book, the process of writing the second one has been much easier. With that, I can confidently say that I now consider myself a writer.

Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I don’t write full-time, although most of this year has been focused on my book. Managing social media has become a full-time commitment in itself, and I often find myself wishing I could hire a Personal Assistant to handle my social media responsibilities.

In addition to writing, I also run a baking business, which is a significant commitment. Having worked since I was 14, I’ve developed excellent time management skills. My day typically starts at around 4 AM. I make my husband his lunch and a coffee, then gently escort him out the front door. I spend a little time with my fur babies, do some housework, and then my day officially begins.

I generally structure my workday around my baking schedule, planning my week based on when I need to bake cupcakes and cookies.

Currently, I am also pitching my book to the Government, which requires extensive research to ensure that I am contacting the right politicians and providing them with the correct information. This effort includes crafting detailed presentations that highlight the shortcomings of the Child Protection system.

Balancing all these commitments is challenging, but I find that my strong organizational skills and dedication help me manage everything effectively.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
It’s a strange one, but I love to write with a big tub of freshly made popcorn by my side. When I used to work and had to write reports, I would dash across to the cinema and grab a banana choc top and a box of popcorn. This quirky habit even started a trend at work, with many of my co-workers joining in.

Sometimes I make buttered popcorn, sometimes it’s just with salt, and if I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll make caramel popcorn. I don’t exactly know why or how, but having popcorn helps motivate me and sparks my creativity.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Like most kids, I wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps. Although he was a Manager at Nissan Motors, he started off as a motor mechanic, and that’s what I wanted to be.

I suppose many little girls follow in their mothers’ footsteps. My mum was a legal secretary, and I did end up going into law, working as a law clerk and studying Civil Procedures.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
This is a true story and a little teaser from my next novel:

As a young law clerk, I dove into a high-stakes fraud case that spanned three long years. Eager for more excitement, I transferred to a criminal law firm, only to discover its shady operations. Years of silent observation culminate in a fateful confrontation with my boss, leading to threats against my family. Undeterred, I reported the illicit activities to the police, prompting a covert investigation and the eventual shutdown of the corrupt firm. But just when I thought it was over, a shocking headline revealed the sinister aftermath—a gangland associate, once my boss, murdered outside his home. The mystery deepens, intertwining my past actions with unforeseen consequences.

Links:
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