Patricia has been practicing as a Court appointed Guardian ad Litem since August 2013. Patricia also represents the voice and best interests of young adults who are subject of Wardship.

Patricia also provides an advocacy role for parents whose children are subject of Care Proceedings.

Patricia works with a number of adults with moderate to severe ID advocating for their needs and best interests.

Patricia also undertakes Section 36 and 47 reports in family law matters where the voice of the child is required.

Patricia held management positions in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Patricia has 25 years’ experience in Child Protection and Family Welfare and working with children with complex needs, such as trauma and developmental neurological and relational trauma.

Patricia has a particular interest in the voice of the child within care proceedings and family law. Patricia holds central to all her work as a Guardian ad Litem the voice and best interests of the children she works with to achieve best possible outcomes for each child.

Patricia is a qualified mediator having successfully completed her training in 2014 and has been registered with MII since 2015. Throughout the past seven years Patricia has maintained and continued to hone her skills and relevant training to ensure the that the voice and best interests of each child remain the central focus of her work as a Guardian ad Litem.

Patricia has completed levels one and two of DDP training in 2018 and 2019. Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy is an attachment focused therapy developed by Dan Huges. (UK). Patricia also has a particular interest in inter link between trauma and the neuropsychology of the developing brain.

Patricia is registered with CORU (SW 003276) and engages in ongoing supervision, training and peer mentoring.

1992–1995 | Social Work Training: University College Cork, Cork, Ireland (National University of Ireland

‍2001–2002 | Certificate in Health Services Management: University of Limerick (National University of Ireland)

Further Education and Training

‍2012 | Therapeutic investigative Assessment where sexual abuse is a feature.

‍2012 | Protector Assessments where child sexual abuse has occurred – Fiona Morris under Ray Wyre. (UK)

‍2014 | “In my shoes” Interactive Computer-based child interviewing tool, run by Child and Family Training Liverpool UK

‍2014 | Adult Attachment and Care Index – Helen Gogarty Attachment Specialist

‍2017 | “Breaking the cycle” Planning for children who have experienced chronic neglect

‍2018–2019 | DDP Level 1 and 2 Attachment focused Therapeutic Parenting

‍2018 | Neuro-Signs of Trauma

‍2020 | Understanding the impact of Trauma on Children and Adolescents Dr. Karen Treisman

‍2020 | Child Care Amendment Bill – Voice of the Child. Lewis Mooney BL

‍2020 | Systemic Perspectives on Trauma - Reflections through the Lockdown, Gerrilyn Smith

‍2020 | Promoting access with children in care. Kim Wilson

‍2020 | Access and Contact in the context amended Child Care Act and Covid 19

‍2020 | Supporting Children and Adults with regulation in the midst of Covid 19 Sarah O’Byrne Treehouse Practice

Patricia has extensive experience in managing complex cases which includes:

Mental Health issues in Child Protection and Family Welfare.

Experience of working with children of drug mis-use by parents is a feature.

Children who have been victims of sexual abuse.

Children and Families where Domestic Violence and chronic Neglect are a feature.

Adoption and preparing Final Reports for children being freed for Adoption (UK).

Working with Families where Acquired Brain Injury is a feature.

Working with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma and attachment difficulties.