Personal Information
Qualifications: BSc (Hons) – Psychology: University of Kent – 2008. BA (Hons) – Social Worker: The Open University – 2013. Currently studying a Masters degree at Staffordshire University (not specifically related to Social Work)
Services Offered:
Assessments and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work
Specialism:
Alcohol and drug misuse, Allegations of parental alienation, Autism and Domestic violence
Other Expertise:
Domestic violence / abuse
Regions available:
East Midlands, Eastern, London, North West, Scotland, South East, South West, West Midlands and Yorkshire & Humber
Location:
Kent, London
Email:
sophielatham121@gmail.com
Profile
I have undertaken a vast number of Section 7 reports and also been appointed as a Children’s Guardian under rule 16.4. I have extensive experience giving evidence in court proceedings. I am committed to delivering the best possible service to children and families, whilst undertaking thorough assessments of risk. I have been directly involved in transfer of residence cases when significant concerns are raised about the inability of one parent to promote the relationship between the child and the other parent. I have experience working with young people with ASD, as I worked in a ASD unit of a school during my Psychology degree.
Personal Information
Qualifications: MA AASW Diploma (Child Protection) CQSW B.Ed, Expert Witness Certificate accredited
Services Offered:
Assessments, Expert Witness, Teaching / Mentoring and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work
Specialism:
Adoption and Fostering, Cultural issues, Domestic violence, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues
Foreign Languages:
English
Regions available:
East Midlands, Eastern, International, London, South East and South West
Location:
South East
Email:
gill_timmis@outlook.com
Mobile:
0771 1948658
Telephone:
0771 1948658
Profile
I am an independent social worker with over 25 years experience of children and families social work. My expertise is in the following areas: independent parenting and risk assessments; assessments of prospective adopters and kinship assessments; representation of children as CAFCASS Children’s Guardian and in private law disputes concerning contact, residence and removal from the jurisdiction, appointed by the National Youth Advocacy Service. I have trained social workers and CAFCASS practitioners in child care legislation and practice, adoption and children’s rights and participation. I have published research and professional articles. I have worked in Bulgaria and Ethiopia running workshops in child care practice and legislation. I have knowledge of practice and have social work and legal contacts in Bulgaria and Ethiopia to enable me to provide advice in relation to international cases.
Personal Information
Services Offered:
Assessments, Consultancy, Expert Witness, Teaching / Mentoring and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work
Specialism:
Allegations of parental alienation, Domestic violence, Learning difficulties / Special needs, Mental Health, Playtherapy and Sexual abuse issues
Other Expertise:
Specialist Systemic Family Therapy Programme
Foreign Languages:
English
Regions available:
Ireland, London, Scotland, South East, South West and Wales
Location:
Surrey and Devon
Email:
trishbarryrelph@icloud.com
Profile
I am Founder and Director of Co-Parenting Matters Ltd. trishbarryrelph.com I have extensive experience as an expert in the preparation of reports for Court in Public and Private Law Proceedings where there is a resist – refuse dynamic or contact difficulties with children of separated parents. I have a private clinical practice as a Specialist Systemic Family Therapist in Guildford, Surrey and in Totnes, Devon. I offer bespoke and tailored high conflict therapeutic interventions, and therapeutic viability assessments as a SJE. I am a registered social worker with 38 years’ experience in child protection, adult mental health, (warranted under 1983 MHA) with 20 years’ experience as a clinician in child and adolescent mental health CAMHS. I am a legally registered social worker with CORU in Ireland and am available to work within this jurisdiction.
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.
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.
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
Personal Information
Qualifications: MSc Social Work; DipSW, 1996 BA (Hons)2:1 Social Policy and Administration 1992
Services Offered:
Assessments, Chairing, Complaints, Consultancy, Expert Witness and Teaching / Mentoring
Specialism:
Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse and Cultural issues
Foreign Languages:
English
Regions available:
East Midlands, Eastern, International, London, North West and South East
Location:
Thames Valley, London
Email:
fareena@fareenashaheed.com
Mobile:
07740 404645
Telephone:
07740 404645
Profile
I qualified as a Social Worker in 1996 and commenced work in a local authority, undertaking the full range of statutory intervention. After working with an Independent Fostering Provider I joined Cafcass as a Family Court Adviser, then progressing to Service Manager. I later returned to local authority practice in a QA and Practice Development role. As an Independent Practitioner I provide a broad range of high quality assessments. In addition, I have IRO experience, and contributed the OU SW degree course as an Associate Lecturer. I regularly design and deliver training for practitioners. Find out more or contact me at fareena@fareenashaheed.com or http://fareenashaheed.com/
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.
Personal Information
Qualifications: Msc in Social Policy and Social Work Studies; DipSW Social Work Diploma. Also registered on the professional body of SWs in Italy.
Services Offered:
Assessments, Teaching / Mentoring and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work
Specialism:
Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Allegations of parental alienation, Cultural issues, Domestic violence, Immigration and asylum seekers, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues
Other Expertise:
Parental Coordination / Child-Inclusive Mediation services tailored to both Italian and English-speaking families residing in the UK or Italy, and in cross-border cases involving both countries.
Foreign Languages:
French and Italian
Regions available:
East Midlands, Eastern, London, Scotland, South East, South West, Wales and West Midlands
Location:
UK/Italy
Email:
angelarusso.ituk@gmail.com
Telephone:
+44 (0)7957381927;
Profile
As a bilingual (Italian/English) social worker registered in UK and Italy, I bring over 25 years of experience in social and criminal justice. I specialize in cross-border assessments between the UK and Italy, including Special Guardianship & Connected Person, Kinship, Viability, and Parenting Assessments. My experience covers navigating complex issues and be-spoke support in cross-border kinship care. With a background as a Family Court Advisor for Cafcass and a Probation Officer (in the UK and equivalent in Italy), I have developed particular interest and strength in addressing challenges related to alcohol/drug misuse, mental health, domestic violence, parental conflict, alienation allegations, sexual abuse, and Immigration/asylum. Based primarily in Italy, I collaborate with UK Local Authorities and Italian Social Services to facilitate transitions from the UK to Italy, arrange post-placement support, and secure legal permanency for children with kinship carers in Italy. Additionally, I work as a court expert with high-conflict bilingual families, in the Italian family courts and participate in conferences and training, that contribute to social work education in Italy.
Personal Information
Qualifications: CQSW, Dip SW, Licensed SW (Idaho, USA)
Services Offered:
Assessments and Expert Witness
Specialism:
Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Domestic violence, Learning difficulties / Special needs and Pams Assessments
Other Expertise:
British Sign Language and Judaism/Jewish culture (some knowledge)
Regions available:
East Midlands, South West, Wales and West Midlands
Location:
Bristol/South West
Email:
charlesplummeriswp@gmail.com
Profile
I have 35 years’ experience of social work practice with children and families in a variety of settings, encompassing statutory children & families work within local authorities, residential work, family counselling, education, and latterly fostering and adoption. I have held the positions of Senior Practitioner, Practice Supervisor, and Team Manager, and have worked as a Children’s Guardian since 2005.
I can undertake assessment of parents who have additional needs/challenges/vulnerabilities, for example, mental health issues, substance misuse issues and learning disabilities. (Parent Assess trained)
Section 7, Section 37, & Specific Issues Reports
Special Guardianship/Kinship/Connected Carers Reports
Sibling Together & Apart assessments