National Advocacy Service Team

My name is John, and I joined the EPIC team in September 2012 as an Advocate. I provide independent advocacy to care-experienced children and young people across Cork, Kerry, Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford. In 2019, I also took on the role of Research Officer to support EPIC’s research and policy work.

In my dual role, I advocate for children in care and care leavers, and I also conduct and support research on all aspects of the care system. I’m passionate about research and children’s rights and how they can enhance the lives of children and young people, especially those in care.

Before joining the EPIC team, I worked in residential care in Wicklow and Cork, and with Barnardos as part of the Origins Team that worked with people who had been through the Industrial and Reformatory School systems. I also have experience as a Community Resource Worker in Limerick.

My qualifications include a Degree in Social Science, a H. Dip in Counselling, a Degree in Law, and a Masters in Child and Family Law.