I am a member of CAFLI (Clinical Assessors in Family Law Ireland) and have carried out Family Law Reports for the District, Circuit and High Court for over ten years.
When a family is engaged in a Court process, because of a separation or an issue regarding custody or access, the Court can request a Section 47 Report or a Section 32 Report be carried out, by a suitable expert. This expert conducts an assessment in order to determine what the best interest of the child is.I am an expert in carrying out these Reports and in carrying out such assessments, I am very mindful of what a difficult process this can be for parents as well as for children. I engage therapeutically with families to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. My background in Systemic practice means that I am very aware of family dynamics and how each person in a family can be influenced by and influential of other family members. My expertise in the area of attachment makes it possible for me to assess how a child’s attachment can best be protected and enhanced by decisions made by the Court. Also, having lectured to social work students in TCD in the area of ‘The Impact of Organisations on Individuals’ I have a keen awareness of how the Court as an Organisation or Institution can impact on family life.
Family life can be difficult when the family are involved in litigation. However, I feel it is possible to work in collaboration with families in order to ascertain the best interest of the children, even when tensions and disagreements are present. I know that collaborative practice is what will work best for the child and I know also that parents want what’s best for the children too. Going through the Court can be a stressful time for families. That does not in any way undermine the potential for families to work together with me in order to best protect the welfare of children.
Here’s a link that you may find useful if you are looking for further information on section 47 reports
Information on where Section 47 Reports fit in the law.