Shauna is an accomplished and dedicated social work professional with over thirteen years of progressive experience across statutory and independent sectors in Ireland and the UK. Currently working as a Guardian ad Litem with The Independent Guardian Ad Litem Agency (TIGALA) and practicing as an Independent Social Worker, offering expert insight and advocacy in child welfare proceedings.

Shauna has demonstrated leadership in multiple senior roles, including Team Leader for the Children in Care Team with TUSLA in Ireland, and Team Manager positions within fostering services at Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council. Skilled in strategic oversight, team development, and quality assurance, having held responsibilities as an Independent Reviewing Officer and Child Protection Advisor in Northumberland.

Shauna is adept in complex care planning, safeguarding, and fostering assessments, with a strong commitment to promoting the voice and rights of children in care. Recognised for delivering high standards of practice, ensuring compliance with legal frameworks, and driving service improvements across multidisciplinary settings.

In all areas of her work, Shauna ensures that a child’s voice is central, and the welfare of the child is the first and paramount consideration in decision making.

Shauna has been an Independent Social Worker since 2024 and has undertaken general fostering assessments for private agencies.

2020 | Post Graduate in Professional Social Work Practice – Northumbria University, UK

2012 | Bachelor of Arts: Social Work, Second Class Honours – University of Sunderland, UK

Further Education and Training

2025 – Present | Monthly Professional and Training Sessions with TIGALA.

2025 | Children First – TUSLA

Shauna has worked in Local Authorities and Agencies in the UK and Ireland that require consistent and continuous professional development and has attended many courses over her 13 years of qualified practice to ensure she is up to date with current legislation, policy and practice. Shauna has evidenced this professional development for her registration with the HCPC (UK) and CORU consistently.

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Areas of Special Interest

Shauna’s special interest areas are:

* Working collaboratively to create comprehensive care plans to support children achieve their optimum growth and development;

* Extensive experience of working directly with children coming into state care, in state care and those being reunified back to their families;

* The impact that sibling separation in the care system has on families and children;

* The profound and multifaceted impact Domestic Abuse has on families and children;

* Feminist social work and how power imbalances and gender inequality impact families requiring support.

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Professional Membership

Shauna Garrett is registered with CORU.

Shauna Garrett is fully Garda Vetted.

Shauna Garrett is a member of NAGALRO Professional Association for Children’s Guardians, Family Advisers and Independent Social Workers.

Shauna Garrett is a member of the IASW – Irish Association of Social Workers.