Dr Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin is a professionally qualified social worker. He is the Principal social Worker and Acting Manager of the Family Centre, which is the HSE multi-disciplinary child sexual abuse assessment unit for counties Cork and Kerry. Fiachra has worked in the Family Centre since 2003. Prior to that, he worked as a social worker in child protection and welfare and as a youth worker in voluntary organisations. In addition to his work at the Family Centre, Fiachra provides training and lectures to a variety of groups about sexual abuse, sexualised behaviours and direct work with children. Fiachra completed the DSocSc programme in 2011.

Fiachra’s research interests are in the area of GLBT studies, parenting issues, direct work with children in the area of child protection, self-care for practitioners and elderly-care.

Ó Súilleabháin, F. (2011) ‘Stepping Out’: An examination of gay men’s experiences as parents in contemporary Ireland. UCC: Doctoral Thesis.

Bradshaw, T. & Ó Súilleabháin F. (2008) ‘Interviewing children and young people as a part of the child protection process’ in K. Burns & D. Lynch (Eds.) Child Protection and Welfare Social Work. Dublin: A. & A. Farmer.

Watch Fiachra discussing his learning experiences with the DSocSc Programme here (3 min 40 sec):