An independent social worker is a qualified, CORU-registered social work professional who provides impartial assessment and reporting outside of any statutory body such as Tusla. At Gallore, our independent social workers assess a child's needs and wishes and prepare expert reports for the courts, free from the interests of any party to a case.

Gallore's consultants have extensive guardian ad litem experience. Since the establishment of the state-run Guardian ad litem National Service in 2026, our consultants work as independent social workers — providing independent assessments, voice-of-the-child assessments and court reports for family law and childcare proceedings.

Our consultant meets the child (and, where relevant, family members and professionals), reviews the relevant history and information, and assesses the child's needs, wishes and best interests using age-appropriate, often play-based communication. The findings and recommendations are then set out in a clear, balanced report for the court.

A voice-of-the-child assessment ascertains and faithfully represents a child's wishes and feelings, so their perspective is heard and given due weight in decisions about their care and future. Our consultants use age- and developmentally-appropriate methods, including play, to help children express themselves.

A Section 32 report is an expert report on the welfare of a child, prepared for the court in family law proceedings. It sets out the assessor's findings and recommendations in the child's best interests.

Yes. All of our consultants are CORU-registered social work professionals with full Garda vetting, and bring many years of frontline experience across child protection, foster care, adoption and the courts.

Gallore works with courts, solicitors and families nationwide, from our base at the N4 Axis Centre in Longford.

Contact us by phone on +353 86 176 6709 or by email at admin@gallore.ie to discuss an assessment, court report or referral, and we will advise on the right consultant and the next steps.