Board of Directors

Val’s background and experience  

I am a professionally qualified Social Worker with over 15 years’ experience working with children and families and particular expertise in child protection, child welfare, neglect, and abuse. 

I currently work as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) and an Independent Social Worker. I independently represent children’s best interests and wishes in the context of public law child care proceedings initiated by the state, and I am directly appointed by the Court. I have represented children’s interests in the District, High, Supreme and European Courts and have also been appointed to advise the Court in relation to the welfare of children subject to Criminal Proceedings. Prior to my work as a GAL, I worked in the public sector in social work front line and management positions. 

Val’s qualifications   

BA Social Studies (TCD); National Qualification in Social Work (National Social Work Qualification Board); Diploma in Mediator Training (The Law society of Ireland); Dyadic Developmental Practice: Parenting and Psychotherapy; Accredited Mediator (Mediator’s Institute of Ireland); Child Specialist Interviewing (An Garda Siochana and the HSE)