Personal Information
Qualifications: Masters in Social Work, Psychology Degree, VIG Practitioner, L2 & 3 Counselling
Services Offered:
Assessments, Expert Witness and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work
Specialism:
Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Allegations of parental alienation, Cultural issues, Domestic violence, Forced marriages, Learning difficulties / Special needs, Mental Health, Pams Assessments and Sexual abuse issues
Regions available:
London, South East and South West
Location:
West Sussex
Email:
paula.pettit@eastsussex.gov.uk
Profile
I am a Social Worker with 19 years’ experience in children’s services. This includes several years at SWIFT Specialist Family Service where I specialised in domestic abuse, attachment and learning disability. I have extensive experience in specialised risk and parenting assessments, special guardianship assessments and providing expert opinion in family courts. I have worked independently since 2021 and been instructed from local authorities, private fostering agencies, and independent social work agencies. I have a particular interest in domestic abuse, non-accidental injuries, attachment and learning disability. Also have some experience of working with different cultures including Afghan and Pakistani.
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.
Personal Information
Qualifications: Certificate Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Post Graduate Diploma in social work, CQSW, Advanced Award in Social Work, CCETSW Practice Teaching Award, Post Graduate Diploma Advanced Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice
Services Offered:
Assessments, Teaching / Mentoring and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work
Specialism:
Adoption and Fostering, Autism, Learning difficulties / Special needs, Playtherapy and Sexual abuse issues
Foreign Languages:
German
Regions available:
East Midlands, Eastern, London, South East and South West
Location:
South West London
Email:
julia_hughes_gal@hotmail.com
Mobile:
07770 347660
Telephone:
07770 347660
Profile
I am black of Afro-European heritage. I have worked as a Children and Families social worker for the London Borough of Ealing and Staffordshire social service departments. Between 1995 - 2020 I have worked as a Children’s Guardian. I undertake independent Social Work Parenting Assessments, Special Guardianship assessments and Fostering assessments and therapeutic life story work with children who are experiencing trauma as a result of abuse or parental disputes. My specialisms are: West African Culture, Race and Identity. I also undertake International assessments in Germany and Nigeria. I am an integrative psychotherapist and have a small private practice where I work with adults and young people. www.JIH-Counselling.co.uk.
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: 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.
Personal Information
Qualifications: MA.BA.CQSW. FETC 730, Dip.Child Protection, Dip.French, FMA supervisor
Services Offered:
Assessments, Complaints, Consultancy, Expert Witness, Other, Teaching / Mentoring and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work
Specialism:
Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Learning difficulties / Special needs, Mental Health, Playtherapy and Sexual abuse issues
Other Expertise:
Mediation
Foreign Languages:
English, French, Hebrew and Spanish
Regions available:
London, South East, South West and West Midlands
Location:
Thames Valley and London
Email:
judi.lyons@ntlworld.com
Mobile:
07710 038106
Telephone:
07710 038106
Profile
I have worked as an independent social worker specializing in providing assessments of children and their families, principally involved in Children Act (1989) proceedings since 2004. I have provided reports for local authorities, parents and grandparents in public law proceedings and given evidence in court. I have also conducted parenting assessments in the UK and Europe. Until 2010 I was also a Children’s Guardian, having spent 25 years in this role. I have combined this area of work with being a practice teacher and part-time lecturer in social work. I am a qualified FMA supervisor and work as a family mediator and supervisor in divorce proceedings. I currently train solicitors for the Children Panel.
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: 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: BA, Master of Social Work (MSW), MA Art, MA Psychosocial Studies, PGcert Practice Education
Services Offered:
Assessments, Complaints, Consultancy, Expert Witness, Teaching / Mentoring and Therapy / Counselling / Direct work
Specialism:
Adoption and Fostering, Alcohol and drug misuse, Allegations of parental alienation, Autism, Cultural issues, Domestic violence, Mental Health and Sexual abuse issues
Regions available:
East Midlands, Eastern, London, South East, South West and West Midlands
Location:
London
Email:
jeffrey@valuedsocialwork.co.uk
Mobile:
07833710328
Telephone:
07833710328
Profile
I am an Independent Social Worker and Expert Witness with 25 years of experience as a qualified social worker, including more than 10 years in independent practice as an expert witness within the UK family court system and investigating complaints and allegations against professionals. I have worked in Local Authority children’s services, Cafcass, and taught social work in universities. I have extensive experience in private and public law proceedings; Section 7 reports; parenting assessments; risk assessments and adoption work. My written and oral evidence has been positively evaluated in several published Family Court judgments.
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/