Marion Farmer

I am an experienced social worker, manager and children's guardian working independently providing reports for the courts and local authorities. My experience as a Social Worker and as a Team Manager responsible for the management and supervision of a team of Social Workers dealing with child protection/children looked after cases, provided me with a firm and substantial foundation as a practitioner and manager in the field of child care. I chaired child protection conferences and statutory reviews for looked after children. I had significant experience of developing positive links with other agencies to promote collaborative practice. Through consultancy work I helped shape the direction of future service provision and promote the development of effective child-led policies and practice. In assessing prospective foster carers and adoptive parents, my aim has been to ensure prospective placements of a high quality for children with diverse needs.

As a Children`s Guardian, I have extensive experience of representing the interests of children and young people subject to complex proceedings in the Family Proceedings Court, County Court and High Court, who have experienced physical and/or emotional abuse and/or neglect and/or sexual abuse. I have provided over 120 reports in care, adoption and other specified proceedings, making recommendations based on the analysis of information from multiple sources. Issues have included drug and alcohol misuse, domestic violence, violent offenders, mental ill-health, physical disability and learning difficulties. I have worked directly with children and young people; assessed the capacity of parents and extended family members to meet the needs of children; and independently evaluated the care plans of local authorities. All my experience has been within multicultural London boroughs and I have experience of using interpreters.