Social work expert reports for the Immigration and Asylum Chamber, written to Part 3 section 9 of the Practice Direction in force from 1 November 2024: twenty pages, every source shown, every adverse point put. Reports: carer and dependency (Kugathas and Article 8 claims resting on care); family impact of deportation ("unduly harsh", assessed for this child and this partner); best interests of the child (section 55); sole responsibility and adult dependent relative. Registered with Social Work England. Best Interests Assessor. More than thirteen years as a qualified social worker, instructed and cross-examined as an expert in the Family Court more than 100 times. I read the family court papers, and the report engages with them.
Not country-specific: assessment of families in England and Wales, and remote assessment of family members overseas by video
Social work assessment of children, carers and families: parenting capacity, attachment and family relationships, care and dependency, and the likely impact of separation. I claim no country expertise.
Independent Social Worker since leaving local authority practice, where I worked as a Children's Guardian for Cafcass, a team manager and an advanced practitioner. Instructed by local authorities, parents' solicitors and Children's Guardians in public and private law proceedings, and by immigration solicitors and advisers in Article 8 and deportation appeals. Instructed and cross-examined as an expert in the Family Court more than 100 times.