Cathleen Long - Independent Social Worker

I am a highly skilled and experienced Independent Social Worker who provides expert assessments and reports for adults and children with complex needs for Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunals and/or Judicial Review. As an Approved Mental Health Professional, I assess individuals detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983, providing reports for Mental Health Review Tribunals. I am a Best Interests Assessor (BIA) and have received instructions from solicitors, including the Official Solicitor, where best interest decisions need to be made for the Court of Protection. I undertake highly specialist parenting assessments of autistic parents and/or children who have additional needs. I hold the Practice Assessors and the Post-qualifying Awards in Social Work (PQSW). I have over 28 years of post-qualifying experience working with adults and older people who have mental health problems (including dementia), a learning disability and/or physical health needs. I am an independent trainer and run courses on Autism, Mental Capacity, the Care Act 2014 and the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. I hold an MA in Autism, from the University of South Wales, and was awarded ‘The Professional Learning Award Outstanding Achievement (Autism)’ in December 2017. I am a qualified Functional Fluency Coach and in my third year of psychotherapy training (UKATA Registration No: 4418). I offer an online post-diagnostic service for autistic people, particularly those people receiving a later in life diagnosis. I am registered with Social Care Wales (Regulatory Body No: W/1004368) and Social Work England (Registration No: SW 109123). I hold an up to date enhanced DBS certificate.