With over 15 years of experience as both a frontline Social Worker and Manager , I now offer my extensive clinical and statutory expertise as an independent practitioner. I provide high-level consultancy and assessment services to the Courts, legal professionals, private organizations, and public bodies across Ireland. My practice is built on a foundation of professional integrity, clinical rigor, and a deeply child-centered approach. I am fully insured and CORU registered, ensuring the highest standards of regulatory compliance in every instruction.
Our Services
GAL & Assessor
Now operating independently, Steven serves as a dedicated Guardian ad Litem (GAL), where he is committed to independently amplifying the voices of children and ensuring their best interests remain the priority throughout court proceedings. Renowned for his thorough, grounded assessments and high-quality child welfare and "voice of the child" reports, he brings a high level of professionalism, integrity, and a deeply child-centred approach to the Irish legal system. In addition to his work as a GAL and assessor, Steven is a skilled mediator. He uses these skills to assist parents and other involved parties in developing alternative, collaborative solutions relating to Co-parenting Arrangements, Guardianship disputes and Custody/Access matters. This dual focus as a GAL and mediator allows him to provide a bridge between adversarial legal processes and sustainable, child-focused outcomes, helping families reach agreements that protect the child’s wellbeingand reducing protracted litigation.
Parenting Capacity Assessemts
I use the MALD® (Making Assessments Accessible for those with Learning Disabilities) framework as a specialised, neuro-affirming tool specifically designed for parents with intellectual disabilities, autism, or other cognitive vulnerabilities. Unlike traditional assessment models that can feel like a "test," MALD® focuses on functional ability—observing what a parent can do when information is presented in a way they understand. It prioritises a parent's will capabilities and identifies the exact scaffolding required for them to parent safely. By using visual aids, adaptive communication, and a rights-based lens, the MALD® tool ensures that neurodivergent parents are not disadvantaged by processes and provides a more accurate, fair, and robust picture of parenting potential.
Social Work Services
I provide independent social work services to private companies and public bodies, underpinned by 15 years of statutory experience and a commitment to the highest standards of professionalism. My practice is focused on delivering clarity in complex cases through:
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Expert Witness Testimony: Providing the courts with authoritative, defensible oral evidence and high-quality reports that bridge the gap between complex clinical needs and the legal requirements of the Irish family law system.
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Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs): Detailed evaluations of a parent’s practical abilities, specifically adapted for those with neurodiversity or mental health challenges.
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Fostering Assessments & Quality Audits: Rigorous screening and oversight to ensure placement stability and regulatory compliance.
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Research Projects: Conducting impartial complaint investigations, specialized social work projects, and evidence-based research activities.
With a commitment to transparency and thoroughness, I work collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver robust solutions and uphold best practice standards across every instruction.
* please do not divulge any names of individuals involved in court matters or mention anything that falls under the in camera rule.