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Helena Ware

Personal Information

Qualifications: B.Soc Science; Post grad diploma in Applied Social Studies; CQSW; Family Therapy training; PAMS training

Services Offered: Assessments, Consultancy, Expert Witness and Teaching / Mentoring

Specialism: Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Autism, Cultural issues, Domestic violence, Forced marriages, Immigration and asylum seekers, Learning difficulties / Special needs, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues

Other Expertise: Private law assessments involving contact and residence as well as leave to remove from the jurisdiction. Public law-parenting assessments. I specialise in mental health issues, Learning difficulties / Special needs

Foreign Languages: English, French and Spanish

Regions available: International, London and South East

Location: London

Email: Ware126@btinternet.com

Mobile: 07768 355704

Telephone: 07768 355704

Profile

I qualified in 1976. I worked in a local authority and as senior psychiatric social worker, in Child and Family and Psychiatry. I am a Children’s Guardian and caseworker for NYAS. I have been an independent social worker for the past 21 years specialising as an expert witness in private law and public law assessments in Children Act proceedings. I undertake independent social work assessments of families in private law matters involving residence and contact as well as leave to remove from the jurisdiction or internal relocation. I have assessed parents and families in public law. I have travelled extensively all over the world for assessments in both public and private law. I have family therapy and PAMs training.

Carole Littlechild

Personal Information

Qualifications: CQSW 1976; NVQ5 Manageme4nt 2005

Services Offered: Assessments, Chairing, Complaints, Consultancy, Expert Witness, Other and Teaching / Mentoring

Specialism: Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Domestic violence, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues

Foreign Languages: English

Regions available: East Midlands, Eastern, London, South East and West Midlands

Location: Hertfordshire

Email: carolelittlechild@yahoo.co.uk

Mobile: 07976 529604

Telephone: 07976 529604

Profile

Whilst working with families to develop & maintain parenting skills, understand traumas associated with neglect & abuse, disrupted care through to alternative permanent parenting - understanding & representing children’s needs throughout has been my focus, as a social worker & manager in front line & adoption, in Court reports, as family mediator, as Children’s Guardian & Adoption Panel Advisor. Latterly I have specialised in developing my understanding of trauma and attachment needs in children. I have over 30 years of providing consultancy, practice supervision & training. I have extensive experience in all matters relating to adoption in England & Wales.

Niall Rynne

Personal Information

Qualifications: Bachelor Social Work BSW University College Cork; Masters in Social Policy MSocSc UCC Cork

Services Offered: Assessments, Consultancy, Expert Witness, Other and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work

Specialism: Adoption and Fostering, Age Assessments, Allegations of parental alienation, Autism, EHCP (SEN) and Learning difficulties / Special needs

Other Expertise: Tailored professional supports in all areas of Child Welfare and well-being

Regions available: International and Ireland

Location: Ireland

Email: niall@iswc.ie

Profile

As a professional Independent Social Work Consultant based in the Republic of Ireland, I offer qualified, registered, and insured services tailored to meet the needs of UK local authorities and allied professionals. With extensive experience in the placement of children from the UK to Ireland and across the EU, I provide a comprehensive range of assessments, including Connected Persons, Special Guardianship, Kinship Care, Parental and Viability Assessments. Additional services include Contact Supervision, Placement Monitoring, Court Reports, and Expert Witness services. Credentials & Memberships: • CORU Registered No. SW0006566 • Insured by Nagalro UK • IASW Member No. 5168 • NISCC Registered No. 7038894 • BASW Associate Member No. 158792 • Director of Nagalro UK • Member of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) I deliver evidence-based, child-centered assessments and reports, specifically designed to address the unique requirements of instructing Children’s Services Departments across the UK. My expertise includes international placements, legal frameworks, and post-placement support, such as home visits, contact supervision, and caregiver support. By fostering collaboration, engagement, and effective communication, I aim to achieve high-quality outcomes for children and families. For local expertise and professional Independent Social Work services in the Republic of Ireland, please contact niall@iswc.ie. Phone 00-353-(0)-87-719-8481 www.iswc.ie

Eibhlin McNamara

Personal Information

Qualifications: B.Soc., University College Cork (2006), M.A. Counselling & Psychotherapy (Munster Technological University) (2022), B.A. Counselling & Psychotherapy (Munster Technological University) (2020), Professional Diplomas: Leadership & Management; Project Ma

Services Offered: Assessments, Consultancy, Expert Witness, Other and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work

Specialism: Adoption and Fostering, Age Assessments, Alcohol and drug misuse, Autism, Domestic violence, Learning difficulties / Special needs, Mental Health, Online abuse and Grooming and Sexual abuse issues

Other Expertise: Clinical supervision; Irish mental health, education and child protection systems (HSE/Tusla) - in depth knowledge

Foreign Languages: Gaelic

Regions available: Ireland

Location: Ireland, remote / virtual assessments nationwide; onsite primarily Munster, travel elsewhere by agreement

Email: eibhlinmcn@gmail.com

Mobile: 0863822263

Telephone: 0863822263

Profile

Independent Social Worker providing court-directed, evidence-based assessments and expert witness reports. I specialise in Section 47 assessments under the Child Care Act 1991 and Section 32(1)(a) and 32(1)(b) child-focused reports for private law proceedings. My work covers parenting capacity, attachment and sibling relationships, children’s needs, contact and risk. Experienced in interviewing children and adults, analysing complex safeguarding information and giving oral evidence. I deliver clear, timely reports with trauma‑informed practice and strong multi‑agency collaboration.

Tony Macklin

Personal Information

Qualifications: Bsc(Hons) Sociology, PG Diploma in SW, Teaching

Services Offered: Assessments, Expert Witness and Teaching / Mentoring

Specialism: Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Allegations of parental alienation, Autism, Immigration and asylum seekers, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues

Other Expertise: Northern Ireland Practice Teacher Award

Regions available: Ireland

Location: Belfast

Email: t.maclan@outlook.com

Profile

I have 34 years experience as a qualified Social Worker. I provide Independent Parenting Capacity Assessments and Kinship Assessments in Ireland and the UK. I have provided Guardian ad Litem Assessments to the Family Proceedings Court, Family Care Centre and High Court in Belfast since 1996 and District Court and High Court in Dublin since 2006. I also provide reports for legal proceedings in respect of children/adults abused in care and unaccompanied minors. I have acted as a Practice Teacher for several students and tutored on the Courtroom Skills Module for the Social Work Course at Queens University Belfast.

Lauren Doyle

Personal Information

Qualifications: Doctor of Social Work awarded 2025; Master of Social Work, 2013; BA (Hons) Social Studies, 2011

Services Offered: Assessments, Consultancy, Expert Witness and Teaching / Mentoring

Specialism: Alcohol and drug misuse, Allegations of parental alienation, Cultural issues, Domestic violence, Female Genital Mutilation, Forced marriages, Learning difficulties / Special needs, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues

Other Expertise: Child abduction; Wardship, Relocation; International family issues; SW research, supervision

Regions available: London, South East and South West

Location: South West

Email: lhdoyleisw@outlook.com

Profile

Since qualifying over ten years ago, I have gained a range of experience within social work in Ireland, Wales, and England. Alongside my practice, I have conducted research achieving a Doctorate in Social Work. My strengths lie in direct work with children, risk assessment, and decision making. I complete child and family assessments which feature complex factors and international issues. I am confident in raising the voice of children within their proceedings and advising the court on the living arrangements that are in their best interest. Through my employment with Cafcass, I developed expertise in private law family court proceedings, comprehensively analysing family issues under the Child Arrangements Programme and within the High Court. I am also licensed to provide CUBAS parenting assessments focused toward families where Care Proceedings may be necessary. I can be relied upon to provide expert written and oral evidence.

Kev Stroud

Personal Information

Qualifications: BSc (Hons), MSc in SW, CQSW, Practice Teaching Award

Services Offered: Assessments, Chairing, Complaints, Consultancy and Expert Witness

Specialism: Alcohol and drug misuse, Allegations of parental alienation, Domestic violence, Learning difficulties / Special needs, Mental Health, Online abuse and Grooming and Sexual abuse issues

Foreign Languages: English

Regions available: International, London and South East

Location: Surrey

Email: resolvesocialwork@gmail.com

Mobile: 07504 163211

Telephone: 07504 163211

Profile

I am an Independent Social Worker and Social Work Consultant with nearly 30 years experience of practice and management in social care services, primarily in local authority child protection work. I have worked in various teams - assessment, care planning and court work included - and dealt with a wide range of risk issues for children. I began working independently in 2016. I have well developed assessment, care planning, supervisory and report writing skills. My interests are in improving the effectiveness and quality of services and ensuring good assessment, planning and long-term outcomes for children and families.

Robert Forrester

Personal Information

Qualifications: BA Hons in Applied Social Studies; CQSW & DIPSW

Services Offered: Assessments, Chairing and Consultancy

Specialism: Alcohol and drug misuse, Allegations of parental alienation, Cultural issues, Domestic violence, Immigration and asylum seekers and Sexual abuse issues

Other Expertise: Contact supervision

Foreign Languages: English

Regions available: East Midlands, Eastern, International, London, South East, South West, Wales and West Midlands

Location: South East London

Email: rhf36@yahoo.com

Mobile: 07931 581279

Telephone: 07931 581279

Profile

Born in Jamaica but educated in UK , I am at ease working with clients from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. I have worked in Residential Childrens Homes and after qualifying as SW I joined Hackney Children Services. This inner city experience helped develop strong assessment skills working with communities including Orthodox Jews, Turkish, S. Asians, West African, Eritreans, Caribbean, Irish, White British and Travelling families. I have addressed sexuality and gender issues. Worked for 9 Local Authorities & also Cafcass managing Children's Guardians in the Principal Registry. I was a manager at Windsor & Maidenhead and at Redbridge Children's Trust as a Quality Assurance Officer. I am interested and have undertaken training in so-called parental alienation. A good listener my primary task is to protect vulnerable children.

Blossom Francis

Personal Information

Qualifications: Bachelor SW, Master SW, Practice Teaching and Enabling Others

Services Offered: Assessments and Consultancy

Specialism: Alcohol and drug misuse, Cultural issues, Domestic violence, Learning difficulties / Special needs, Mental Health and Pams Assessments

Foreign Languages: English, Gujarati and Hindi

Regions available: East Midlands, Eastern, London, South East and South West

Location: London

Email: blossom@bfsocialworkltd.co.uk

Mobile: 07507 863014

Telephone: 07507 863014

Profile

During 15 years of post qualifying experience in children and families front line service, I have gained invaluable experience of various facets such as parental substance misuse, parental mental health, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, honour based violence, to name a few. My Asian/Indian background and awareness of cultural issues benefit my assessment and intervention with various Asian and ethnic minority communities. My ability to speak, read and write Hindi and Gujarati is the cherry on top as I am able to tender my services to a larger population. I have undertaken parenting assessments, risk assessments, Pams, SGO assessments and viability assessments.

Maxine Harris

Personal Information

Qualifications: Diploma in Social Work, Diploma in Health and Social Welfare, Diploma in Applied Social Sciences, Diploma in Higher Education, Bachelor of Science Honours degree, Postgraduate Diploma in Childcare Law and Practice

Services Offered: Assessments, Chairing, Consultancy and Expert Witness

Specialism: Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Cultural issues, Domestic violence, Immigration and asylum seekers, Learning difficulties / Special needs, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues

Foreign Languages: English

Regions available: East Midlands, North West and West Midlands

Location: West Midlands

Email: maxih7@virginmedia.com

Mobile: 07956 502477

Telephone: 07956 502477

Profile

After qualifying as a social worker in 1998 I worked in a local authority children and families team mainly in child protection. I commenced independent work in 2003 working initially as a Childrens’ Guardian representing children in public law proceedings. I presently do independent work with local authorities and private fostering agencies. I have prepared numerous reports for court and have acted as an expert witness in family proceedings. I have knowledge of the Islamic culture, dual and mixed heritage families, lesbian and gay partnerships, family assessments, sibling relationships and family contacts. I have chaired child protection and family group conferences and fostering panels.