Kevin Hutton

Summary

Kevin Hutton GALLORE Guardian ad Litem is a highly qualified social worker with extensive experience and academic credentials, including a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Social Work and Social Policy with Sociology. He is registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council, CORU, IASW and NAGALRO and has worked in various roles across the Western Trust (Northern Ireland) and TUSLA (Republic of Ireland). Specializing in residential care (North and South), child protection (North and South), allegation assessment/ child abuse substation procedure, children in care, Kevin is dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of children being his paramount concern, approaching his work with integrity, empathy, and respect. He has demonstrated strong leadership and management skills as a Social Work Team Leader, overseeing service provision, guiding staff, and managing complex cases. His work is characterized by a commitment to high standards, creativity in resource management, and adherence to best practices, policies and legislation, ensuring the delivery of exceptional social work services. One of Kevin’s many attributes to the role of Guardian ad Litem is his professional artistry, his ability to ensure a humanistic approach and simultaneously delivering exceptional guidance/ support to families he works in partnership with, whilst delivering clear, balanced evidence to Courts. Kevin is also fully Garda vetted.

Qualifications

2011 - 2016 BSc (Hons) Degree in social work (PT), Ulster University

2004 - 2008 BSc (Hons) Degree in Social Policy with Sociology, Ulster University

2003 - 2004 Diploma in Humanities - Northwest Regional College

Career History

  • 2024 - present Practicing as a Guardian Ad Litem

  • 2019 - 2024 Senior Social Work Practitioner / Social Work Team Leader, TUSLA, Donegal.

  • 2016 - 2024 Residential Social Worker, WHSCT, Cottage Children’s Home, Family Intervention Team, Adult Learning Disability Team, Derry

  • 2015 - 2019 Residential Support Worker & Disability Residential Support Worker, Solis MMC Children’s Services, Co Louth

  • 2013 Social Worker, WHSCT Children’s Court Services, Derry

Further Education & Training

  • Certificate in Recognising Substance Misuse

  • Certificate in Mentoring Young People from Care Backgrounds

  • Certificate in Peer Educational Skills

  • Child Protection & Advocacy - ensuring voice of the child is heard

  • Case Management & Crisis Intervention

  • Disability Support & Inclusive Care

  • Court Testimony & Report Writing

  • Family Support & Resource Coordination

  • Allegation Assessment CASP

  • Signposting for service users and carers

  • Risk Assessment

  • Development and Implementation of Care Plans

  • Creative communication

  • Grief Counselling Multicultural Youth Engagement

  • Supporting Unaccompanied minors / children seeking asylum

Kevin's invaluable experience in residential care, particularly within the voluntary sector, has enabled him to facilitate transformative experiences for young people from diverse backgrounds. Whether supporting children in full-time residential care or those with physical and intellectual disabilities, Kevin’s humanistic approach has fostered resilience and positive change in those he serves.

His expertise in handling child abuse allegations was honed through his work with the Child Abuse Substantiation Procedure (CASP) Team in the Northwest. In this critical role, Kevin worked closely with An Garda Síochána, carefully navigating the complexities of each case to protect children and ensure justice. His meticulous approach, grounded in the balance of probability, often involved notifying the vetting bureau to mitigate risks to vulnerable children.

Throughout his career, Kevin has been unwavering in his commitment to ensuring that every child's voice is not only heard but championed. His practice is characterized by integrity, empathy, and respect, with a steadfast focus on child-centred care. Kevin is dedicated to employing anti-oppressive practices and cultural competence, ensuring that his work is inclusive and impactful.

Kevin’s expertise extends to developmentally appropriate communication, play skills training, attachment theory, and emotional expression. He excels in assessing a child's voice, needs, and best interests, collaborating seamlessly with families and professionals to advocate for the child's welfare in court settings. His approach is not only professional but profoundly compassionate, making him a trusted advocate for the children and families he serves.