Founder of The Voice of the Child, Loreto Martin

From 1996 to 2008, Loreto worked in a residential Group Home, supporting adults with various challenges. This role honed her skills in empathy, care, and understanding and made such and impact on her that, in 2003, Loreto took a significant step in her professional journey by enrolling at The Open Training College to study Applied Social Studies (Disabilities). Balancing work and study, she proudly graduated with an Honours BA (Level 8) in Applied Social Studies (Disabilities) in 2007.

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In 2008, Loreto joined The Open Training College as an associate tutor on a part-time basis. In this role, she tutored, mentored, and supported 1st and 2nd-year students as they pursued their degrees in Applied Social Studies (Disabilities), sharing her practical knowledge and experience with them.

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That same year, Loreto joined Navan Springboard Family Support Services, now Meath Springboard Family Support Services. She started as the Development Officer for the 'He’s My Dad' project. This initiative aimed to empower fathers in their parenting roles, offering one-on-one support and weekly group sessions which were usually attended by 8-10 dads. Loreto's efforts helped many fathers become more engaged and confident in their relationships with their children.

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In 2009, Loreto helped launch the Children's Access Support Service. This initiative was born from a father's request for a safe, welcoming space to spend time with his children after being granted court access. The service helped to ensure court-ordered visitation were provided in a homely environment where children could connect with the parent they did not live with, fostering stronger family bonds.

Loreto also co-facilitated two 12-week MOVE programmes (Men Overcoming Violence in their Intimate Relationships). These sessions aimed to educate men on alternative responses to anger, encouraging them to make positive changes in their relationships.

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Continuing her work, Loreto coordinated the Children's Access Support Service until 2013. From then until 2020, she focused full-time on this service, writing court reports at parents' requests and attending court when needed, to provide detailed insights on family situations. Her comprehensive reports and dedicated court appearances played a crucial role in ensuring that children's voices were heard and their best interests were prioritised.

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In March 2020, Loreto decided to pursue a new direction. She began writing Section 32 'Voice of the Child' reports for court, providing a crucial service that amplifies children's perspectives in legal proceedings. She continues to do this work today.

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This combination of experience and education means that Loreto meets the ‘relevant period’ to be working with children and the recognised qualifications deemed necessary to be a Child’s Views Expert as set out by S.I.No.587/2018-Guardianship and Infants Act 1964 (Child’s Views Expert) Regulations 2018. 

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Loreto is in the process of registering with CORU, the regulatory body for Health & Social Care Professionals.           ( https://www.coru.ie )