Under the Aegis: Francis O'Callaghan on Affecting Positive Change and Strengthening GAL Standards
Francis O'Callaghan reflects on why being a Guardian ad Litem is the most privileged role in child protection, and how he’s helping shape the future of practice standards at TIGALA.
With 15 years' experience in social work, Francis O'Callaghan has dedicated his entire professional life to child protection and fostering. Now, through his work as a Guardian ad Litem and as TIGALA's Director of Standards and Policies, he’s helping ensure that children’s voices are represented and that Guardians are held to the highest standard of practice.
I get to build relationships with these young people, and for them to trust that I will represent their views in court – it’s just an incredibly privileged position to be in," Francis says.
Affecting Positive Change
Francis’s path to advocacy began with frontline social work, where he saw firsthand the impact that thoughtful, child-centred practice could have. When the opportunity to become a Guardian ad Litem arose, he knew it was the right step:
"It was a role which I thought I would really love to do, and it’s a role which has allowed me to meaningfully affect positive change, I would hope, for some children."
I knew I’d enjoy the job, but to be in the role of representing a child’s voice to court, having built those relationships... I absolutely love it!
What surprised him most about becoming a Guardian? "Probably how much I loved the job," Francis shares. "I knew I’d enjoy it, but to be in the role of representing a child’s voice to court, having built those relationships... I absolutely love it!" Francis’s story is a reminder of the deep care, responsibility, and commitment behind every TIGALA Guardian ad Litem.
Shaping Our Future
In addition to his role as a Guardian ad Litem, Francis also plays another important role at TIGALA. When he is not advocating for children in court, he is the TIGALA lead for developing key standards, policies, and a new practice framework for TIGALA Guardians. This includes areas such as training and development, mentoring, complaints procedures, and ensuring consistency in GAL practice across the country.
It’s a big responsibility, but one Francis takes seriously: "My role... will be to develop a suite of policies and standards expected from TIGALA Guardians... over the course of the next twelve months."
Francis brings a clear-eyed focus to the evolving needs of Guardians ad Litem in Ireland, and we are excited to work with him to build out vital policies and standards for Guardians ad Litem at TIGALA. With a deep appreciation for the complexity of the work and the importance of reflective, values-led practice, he sees every aspect of the system – from policy to day-to-day interactions – as an opportunity to support better outcomes for children across Ireland.
