Maria is the Principal Investigator for the TARA Project , a professional education and research partnership between Dublin South Central (DSC), Tusla, Child and Family Agency and University College Cork. She is also the Project Lead for the Barnahus Ireland - Trauma-informed Care Project which supports the implementation of the Barnahus model in Ireland through developing a bespoke professional eductaion initative for Barnahus Ireland.
Maria is a graduate of UCC (B. Soc. Sc.) and Goldsmith's College, University of London (MA/DIPSW). She holds a PhD in Arts (Social Work) and a Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. She is also a CORU registered Social Worker.
Maria has over 20 years professional experience (youth work, probation, social work) that reflects a comprehensive experience of working with children and families in assessment, therapeutic and project management roles with specialism in the development, delivery and evaluation of psychoeducational groupwork interventions. Through her doctoral study, Maria successfully led a unique research collaboration between UCC and TUSLA, Child and Family Agency, designing, developing and evaluating the internationally recognized Trauma-informed Foster Care Program: Fostering Connections. This programme has made a significant contribution to the development of trauma-informed care in the fostering services in Ireland. She has developed and delivered bespoke trauma and resilience-informed therapeutic interventions to children and their families who have experienced developmental trauma.
She has developed the CPD Certificate in Trauma-informed Care: Theory and Practice in UCC. This is the first University accredited program in Trauma-informed Care in Ireland that aims to support practitioners who work directly with children, young people, adults, and families. The program is underpinned by coherent framework TARA (Trauma, Attachment, Resilience into Action) to support practitioners to integrate trauma-informed practices into their current practice approach (Lotty, 2021; 2023). Maria has also developed the CPD Certificate in Trauma-informed Practice in Education
which targets educators (Early Years Professional, Primary and Secondary School Teachers). This programme is also offered through the Master of Education (Modular) as an elective module.
Maria joined the Early Year and Childhood Studies programme team in January 2024 and is the second year Coordinator for this interdicplinary programme.
SS2004/SS3111 Personal Lives and Family Policy
SS2032 Practice Preparation and Placement
SS3052 Qualitative Research Methods with Children
SS4002 Working with Children and Families
SS4003 Group Dynamics and Teamwork
SS4004 Early Years Research Report
Post-Graduate Courses
SS6817 Childhood,Youth and Society
SS6806 Understanding Trauma-informed Care: Principles and Theory
SS6807 Application of Trauma-informed Care: Intervention and Practice
ED6079 Trauma-informed Practice in Education: An Introduction
SS6202 Social Work Settings (Adoption and Fostering) (Guest Lecturer)
ED6201 Special Educational Needs - School Organisation and Practice (Guest Lecturer)
MATST Trauma Studies (Master Class)
Biography
Dr Maria Lotty is a Lecturer in the Early Years and Childhood Studies programme in the School of Applied Social Studies in UCC and a research associate with the Institute for Social Sciences in the 21st Century (ISS21) and a member of UCC Futures: Children.Maria is the Principal Investigator for the TARA Project , a professional education and research partnership between Dublin South Central (DSC), Tusla, Child and Family Agency and University College Cork. She is also the Project Lead for the Barnahus Ireland - Trauma-informed Care Project which supports the implementation of the Barnahus model in Ireland through developing a bespoke professional eductaion initative for Barnahus Ireland.
Maria is a graduate of UCC (B. Soc. Sc.) and Goldsmith's College, University of London (MA/DIPSW). She holds a PhD in Arts (Social Work) and a Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. She is also a CORU registered Social Worker.
Maria has over 20 years professional experience (youth work, probation, social work) that reflects a comprehensive experience of working with children and families in assessment, therapeutic and project management roles with specialism in the development, delivery and evaluation of psychoeducational groupwork interventions. Through her doctoral study, Maria successfully led a unique research collaboration between UCC and TUSLA, Child and Family Agency, designing, developing and evaluating the internationally recognized Trauma-informed Foster Care Program: Fostering Connections. This programme has made a significant contribution to the development of trauma-informed care in the fostering services in Ireland. She has developed and delivered bespoke trauma and resilience-informed therapeutic interventions to children and their families who have experienced developmental trauma.
She has developed the CPD Certificate in Trauma-informed Care: Theory and Practice in UCC. This is the first University accredited program in Trauma-informed Care in Ireland that aims to support practitioners who work directly with children, young people, adults, and families. The program is underpinned by coherent framework TARA (Trauma, Attachment, Resilience into Action) to support practitioners to integrate trauma-informed practices into their current practice approach (Lotty, 2021; 2023). Maria has also developed the CPD Certificate in Trauma-informed Practice in Education
which targets educators (Early Years Professional, Primary and Secondary School Teachers). This programme is also offered through the Master of Education (Modular) as an elective module.
Maria joined the Early Year and Childhood Studies programme team in January 2024 and is the second year Coordinator for this interdicplinary programme.
Major Research Themes
- Psychosocial interventions to support children and families engagement in resilience and post traumatic growth.
- Advancing integrated trauma, attachment and resilience - informed practices in child serving systems.
- Advancing professional education development for child serving practitioners across health, social care and education sectors.
Research Interests
- Child protection and welfare
- Foster care
- Child and family psychosocial intervention
- Professional education development for health, social care and education professionals
- Integration of trauma-informed practices in child serving systems
- Programme development and evaluation
- Practice-based research
Research Grants
| Project | Funding Body | Start Date | End Date | Award | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TARA Project Phase 2 - Trauma, Attachment, Resilience into Action: Implementing trauma-informed practices in child welfare (Principal Investigator). Funded by TUSLA - Child and Family Agency. | 02-SEP-24 | 01-SEP-26 | |||
| Barnahus Ireland- Supporting the implementation of the Barnahus model in Ireland (Project Lead). Funded by the Council of Europe. | 22-APR-24 | 28-FEB-25 | |||
| TARA Project Phase 1 - Trauma, Attachment, Resilience into Action: Building capacity to integrate trauma-informed practices in child welfare (Principal Investigator). Funded by TUSLA - Child and Family Agency. | 10-OCT-22 | 01-JAN-25 | |||
| Creating a Critical Pedagogy Peer Learning Community, UCC (Co-Lead-Applicant) | University College Cork | 31-JUL-23 | 31-DEC-23 | €1,000.00 | |
| AI² (Artificial Intelligence and Academic Integrity): ChatGPT in Learning and Teaching (Co-Applicant) | University College Cork | 01-JAN-23 | 31-DEC-23 | €30,000.00 |
Contract Researchers
| Researcher Name | Project | Role | Funding Body | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Noreen Kearns | TARA Project Phase 1 (2022-2024) | Postdoctoral Researcher | ||
| Deirdre McCarthy | Barnahus Ireland (2024-2025) | Research Assistant |
Publications
Peer Reviewed Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2024) | 'Exploring the effects of a graduate level trauma-informed care education program for child welfare professionals' Lotty, M., O'Shea, T., Frederico, F., & Kearns, N. (2024) 'Exploring the effects of a graduate level trauma-informed care education program for child welfare professionals'. Children and Youth Services Review, 163 (107821) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2024) | 'Integrating Trauma-informed Practices in Child Welfare: A Process Study of Graduate Education' Lotty, M., Kearn, N. & Frederico, F. (2024) 'Integrating Trauma-informed Practices in Child Welfare: A Process Study of Graduate Education'. Journal of Public Child Welfare, :1-27 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2023) | 'Supporting Child Welfare Practice through an integrated practice model: Trauma, Attachment and Resilience into Action' Lotty, M. (2023) 'Supporting Child Welfare Practice through an integrated practice model: Trauma, Attachment and Resilience into Action'. The Irish Social Worker, [Details] | |
| (2023) | 'Understanding the Why: The Integration of Trauma-Informed Care into Speech and Language Therapy Practice' O' Leary, N., Rupert, A.C., & Lotty, M., (2023) 'Understanding the Why: The Integration of Trauma-Informed Care into Speech and Language Therapy Practice'. Advances in Communication and Swallowing, Preprint :1-7 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'Development of a Psychoeducational Foster Carer Program Using the Medical Research Council (MRC) Framework for Complex Interventions' Lotty, M;Bantry-White, E; Dunn-Galvin, A (2022) 'Development of a Psychoeducational Foster Carer Program Using the Medical Research Council (MRC) Framework for Complex Interventions'. Child Care In Practice, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'Towards a more comprehensive understanding of fostering connections: The trauma-informed foster care programme: a mixed methods approach with data integration' Lotty, Maria; Bantry-White, Eleanor; Dunn-Galvin. Audrey (2022) 'Towards a more comprehensive understanding of fostering connections: The trauma-informed foster care programme: a mixed methods approach with data integration'. International Journal of Child, Youth and Family Studies, 13 (1):1-29 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Trauma-informed care psychoeducational group-based interventions for foster carers and adoptive parents: A narrative review' Lotty, Maria; Bantry-White, Eleanor; Dunn-Galvin, Audrey (2021) 'Trauma-informed care psychoeducational group-based interventions for foster carers and adoptive parents: A narrative review'. Adoption And Fostering, :191-214 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Finding the common ground: families, relationships, and child-focused practice in foster care' Lotty, Maria & Lynch, Sean (2021) 'Finding the common ground: families, relationships, and child-focused practice in foster care'. The Irish Social Worker, :128-146 [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Making sense of the practice of trauma-informed care: A response to the need to implement trauma-informed care into front-line practice' Lotty, Maria (2021) 'Making sense of the practice of trauma-informed care: A response to the need to implement trauma-informed care into front-line practice'. The Irish Social Worker, :160-171 [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Exploring Trauma-informed Foster Care as a Framework to Support Collaborative Social Worker - Foster Carer Relationships' Lotty, Maria (2021) 'Exploring Trauma-informed Foster Care as a Framework to Support Collaborative Social Worker - Foster Carer Relationships'. Irish Journal of Applied Social Studies, 21 (1):34-51 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'A qualitative study in Ireland: Foster carers and practitioners perspectives on developing a trauma-informed care psychoeducation programme' Lotty, Maria; Bantry-White, Eleanor ; Dunn-Galvin, Audrey (2021) 'A qualitative study in Ireland: Foster carers and practitioners perspectives on developing a trauma-informed care psychoeducation programme'. Child Care In Practice, [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'An Exploration of the Role of Trauma-informed Care in Fostering Stability' Lotty, Maria (2020) 'An Exploration of the Role of Trauma-informed Care in Fostering Stability'. The Irish Social Worker, Winter :47-48 [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Childhood Trauma in Mind: Integrating Trauma-informed Care into Early Childhood Education and Care' Lotty, M. (2020) 'Childhood Trauma in Mind: Integrating Trauma-informed Care into Early Childhood Education and Care'. An Leanbh Og, The Omep Journal of Early Childhood Studies, [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'The experiences of foster carers and facilitators of Fostering Connections: The Trauma-informed Foster Care Program: A process study' Lotty, Maria; Bantry-White, Eleanor; Dunn-Galvin, Audrey (2020) 'The experiences of foster carers and facilitators of Fostering Connections: The Trauma-informed Foster Care Program: A process study'. Children and Youth Services Review, 119 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Reflections on navigating the PhD journey as a social work practitioner' Lotty, Maria (2020) 'Reflections on navigating the PhD journey as a social work practitioner'. Qualitative Social Work : Qsw : Research And Practice, [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Effectiveness of a trauma-informed care psychoeducational program for foster carers – Evaluation of the Fostering Connections Program' Lotty, Maria; Dunn Galvin, Audrey; Bantry White, Eleanor (2020) 'Effectiveness of a trauma-informed care psychoeducational program for foster carers – Evaluation of the Fostering Connections Program'. Child Abuse & Neglect, 102 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Trauma-informed care research: Implications for foster care practice' Lotty, Maria (2020) 'Trauma-informed care research: Implications for foster care practice'. Relational Child and Youth Care Practice, 33 (2) [Full Text] [Details] |
Articles
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2024) | Trauma in the Foster Care System; Finding Positive Ways forward in Practice. FOSTER. McCormack, L., Campbell, N. & Lotty, M. (2024) Trauma in the Foster Care System; Finding Positive Ways forward in Practice. FOSTER. Articles [Details] | |
| (2020) | Teamwork in Mind: Exploring Collaborative Practices in Foster Care as a key component of Trauma-informed Foster Care. FOSTER. Lotty, M. (2020) Teamwork in Mind: Exploring Collaborative Practices in Foster Care as a key component of Trauma-informed Foster Care. FOSTER. Articles [Details] | |
| (2019) | Fostering stability through ‘Fostering Connections: The Trauma-informed Foster Care Programme’. FOSTER. Lotty, M. (2019) Fostering stability through ‘Fostering Connections: The Trauma-informed Foster Care Programme’. FOSTER. Articles [Details] |
Electronic Source
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2024) | The Thermometer of Regulation. Lotty, M. (2024) The Thermometer of Regulation. Electronic Source [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2024) | Understanding the Drivers of Behaviour: Trauma-informed Practice Tool. Lotty, M. (2024) Understanding the Drivers of Behaviour: Trauma-informed Practice Tool. Electronic Source [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2023) | TARA Practice Model (Trauma, Attachment, Resilience into Action). Lotty, M. (2023) TARA Practice Model (Trauma, Attachment, Resilience into Action). Electronic Source [DOI] [Details] |
Thesis/Dissertation
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2019) | Enhancing Foster Carers' capacity to promote placement stability: Initial development and early-stage evaluation of Fostering Connections: The Trauma-informed Foster Care Programme. Lotty, M. (2019) Enhancing Foster Carers' capacity to promote placement stability: Initial development and early-stage evaluation of Fostering Connections: The Trauma-informed Foster Care Programme. Thesis/Dissertation [Details] |
Newspaper Articles
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2023) | RTE Brainstorm: Here's the Truth about Resilience. Lotty, M. (2023) RTE Brainstorm: Here's the Truth about Resilience. online: Newspaper Articles [DOI] [Details] |
Manual
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2017) | Fostering Connections: The Trauma-informed Foster Care Programme-Facilitators Guide. Lotty, M. (2017) Fostering Connections: The Trauma-informed Foster Care Programme-Facilitators Guide. Manual [Details] | |
| (2017) | Fostering Connections: The Trauma-informed Foster Care Programme-Toolkit. Lotty, M. (2017) Fostering Connections: The Trauma-informed Foster Care Programme-Toolkit. Manual [Details] |
Research Report
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2023) | TARA Project Phase One Report: Examining the effects of Graduate Trauma-informed Practice Education on Child Welfare Professionals. Lotty, M., Kearns, N., O'Shea, T. & Frederico, M. (2023) TARA Project Phase One Report: Examining the effects of Graduate Trauma-informed Practice Education on Child Welfare Professionals. University College Cork: Research Report [Details] | |
| (2024) | Launch of the TARA Project Phase One Report: Examining the effects of Graduate Trauma-informed Practice Education on Child Welfare Professionals. Lotty, M (2024) Launch of the TARA Project Phase One Report: Examining the effects of Graduate Trauma-informed Practice Education on Child Welfare Professionals. Research Report [Details] |
Podcast - Media
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2017) | Trauma-informed Foster Care: a conservation with Maria Lotty. Lotty, M. (2017) Trauma-informed Foster Care: a conservation with Maria Lotty. Podcast - Media [Details] |
Professional Activities
Honours and Awards
| Year | Title | Awarding Body | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Excellence PhD Scholarship | College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, University College Cork |
Professional Associations
| Association | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CORU | Professional Social Worker Registration | 01-MAY-05 / | |
| International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect | Member | / | |
| Irish Association of Social Workers | Member | / | |
| Institute for Social Science in the 21st Century, ISS21 | Research Associate. Member of Children and Young Person Cluster | / |
Conference Contributions
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2024) | ISPCAN International Congress 2024, Lotty, M. (2024) Integrating Trauma-informed Practices in Irish Child Welfare Practice: Findings from the TARA Project Child Welfare Practice outcomes for Graduate level trauma-informed Education: A Mixed Methods Study. [Poster Presentation], ISPCAN International Congress 2024, Sweden . [Details] | |
| (2024) | 54th EUCEN (European University Continuing Education Network) International Conference, Lotty, M. (2024) A University-Child Welfare Agency Collaboration supporting graduate level professional continuing education: The TARA Project. [Oral Presentation], 54th EUCEN (European University Continuing Education Network) International Conference, University College Cork . [Details] | |
| (2024) | Case Study of Good Practice Symposium, Lotty, M., Mortell, S, Ultsch, Veale, V. (2024) Journey Towards Creating a New Reflective Space to Explore Critical Pedagogy in the Classroom. [Poster Presentation], Case Study of Good Practice Symposium, University College Cork . [Details] | |
| (2024) | Longford Westmeath CYPSC (Children and Young Peoples Services Committee) Trauma-informed Care Conference, Lotty, M. (2024) Integrating Trauma-informed Practices in the front-line practice: The TARA (Trauma, Attachment and Resilience into Action) Project: Findings and Learnings’. [Keynote Speaker], Longford Westmeath CYPSC (Children and Young Peoples Services Committee) Trauma-informed Care Conference, Mulligar, Co. West Meath . [Details] | |
| (2024) | AUDGPI ICGP Joint Annual Scientific Meeting, Kiely, A., Lotty, M.,O’Donnell, P., & Heffernan, S. (2024) Towards Trauma-Informed Health Professions Education and Practice Research Proposal. [Poster Presentation], AUDGPI ICGP Joint Annual Scientific Meeting, University of Limerick . [Details] | |
| (2023) | Learning and Teaching Showcase, Lotty, M. (2023) Re-designing a Trauma-informed Praxis Assessment through the Lens of Critical Pedagogy. [Poster Presentation], Learning and Teaching Showcase, UCC . [Details] | |
| (2023) | Teaching and Learning Showcase, Kiely, A., Lotty, M., O’Donnell, P. & Heffernan, S. (2023) Towards Trauma-Informed Health Professions Education and Practice Research Proposal. [Poster Presentation], Teaching and Learning Showcase, University College Cork . [Details] | |
| (2023) | Critical Pedagogy- (Re)imagining and (Re)enlivening the Classroom? SATLE Seminar, UCC, Lotty, M. (2023) Exploring Assessment through the Lens of Critical Pedagogy. [Invited Oral Presentation], Critical Pedagogy- (Re)imagining and (Re)enlivening the Classroom? SATLE Seminar, UCC, UCC . [Details] | |
| (2023) | 7th Unity Through Relationship International Annual Conference, Lotty, M. & O'Donoghue, M (2023) Putting Resilience back in the headline towards an integrated holistic practice lens for Child and Families Services beyond a trauma centred lens. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], 7th Unity Through Relationship International Annual Conference, Dublin . [Details] | |
| (2023) | 9th National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference, Lotty, M. & Hayes, M. (2023) Examining Professional Education in Trauma-informed Practice for Child Welfare and Protection Services: The Trauma, Attachment, Resilience into Action (TARA) Project. [Oral Presentation], 9th National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference, UCC . [Details] | |
| (2023) | ISPCAN International Congress 2023, Lotty, M. (2023) Moving from knowing to doing: Supporting Trauma-informed practice in the Irish front-line through TARA (Trauma, Attachment and Resilience into Action). [Oral Presentation], ISPCAN International Congress 2023, Edinburgh, Scotland . [Details] | |
| (2022) | 9th Annual Social Work and Social Care Research in Practice Conference 2022, Lotty, M. (2022) Exploring if the whole is greater than the sum of its parts? Evaluating Fostering Connections: The Trauma-informed Foster Care Programme through a mixed methods approach. [Oral Presentation], 9th Annual Social Work and Social Care Research in Practice Conference 2022, Health and Social Care Board, Northern Ireland, Online . [Details] | |
| (2021) | Irish Foster Care Association Annual National Conference, Lotty, M. (2021) Exploring the transition of childhood to adolescence through the lens of Trauma-informed Foster Care: What does that look like?. [Invited Lectures (Workshops)], Irish Foster Care Association Annual National Conference, Online . [Details] | |
| (2021) | Social Care Ireland’s Annual Conference, Lotty, M. (2021) Responding to children and young people who have experienced developmental trauma through Trauma-informed care: What do you need in your Toolkit?. [Invited Lectures (Workshops)], Social Care Ireland’s Annual Conference, Online . [Details] | |
| (2021) | 8th National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference, Lotty, M. (2021) Finding the Common Ground: families, relationships, and child-focused practice in foster care. [Oral Presentation], 8th National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference, UCC, Online . [Details] | |
| (2021) | 9th Children in Care Research Forum, Trinity College Dublin. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znP1unMbjks, Lotty, M. (2021) Key messages from an evaluation of Fostering Connections: The Trauma-informed Foster Care Programme. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], 9th Children in Care Research Forum, Trinity College Dublin. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znP1unMbjks, Online . [Details] | |
| (2021) | ISPCAN International Congress 2021, Lotty, M. (2021) Key messages from an evaluation of Fostering Connections: The Trauma-informed Foster Care Programme. [Oral Presentation], ISPCAN International Congress 2021, Milan, Italy (Online) . [Details] | |
| (2020) | Irish Foster Care Association Annual National Conference, Lotty, M. and Lynch, S. (2020) Stuck in the Middle. Making Sense of Being Part of Two Families. [Invited Lectures (Workshops)], Irish Foster Care Association Annual National Conference, Online . [Details] | |
| (2019) | UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre 9th Biennial International Conference, Lotty, M. (2019) Supporting the foster family caring for children with increasingly challenging needs through practitioner-carer based practice. [Oral Presentation], UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre 9th Biennial International Conference, NUIG . [Details] | |
| (2019) | Tusla, Enhancing Practice with Parents and Families: How ACES inform our work Conference, Lotty, M. (2019) Informing our Practice through Research: Does Trauma-informed Care improve outcomes for children in foster care?. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Tusla, Enhancing Practice with Parents and Families: How ACES inform our work Conference, Limerick . [Details] | |
| (2019) | OMEP Ireland Annual Research Conference, Lotty, M. (2019) Examining Trauma-informed care as an approach that addresses early childhood experiences of trauma through relationships. [Oral Presentation], OMEP Ireland Annual Research Conference, MTU . [Details] | |
| (2019) | Irish Foster Care Association Annual National Conference, Lotty, M. (2019) Teamwork in Mind: Supporting foster carers in communicating care through the foster carer-social worker relationship. [Invited Lectures (Workshops)], Irish Foster Care Association Annual National Conference, Limerick . [Details] | |
| (2019) | Tusla, Cork Area Policy Implementation Group Seminar, Lotty, M. (2019) Fostering Connections: A Trauma-informed Care evidenced-based intervention for foster carers. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Tusla, Cork Area Policy Implementation Group Seminar, Cork . [Details] | |
| (2019) | School of Applied Psychology Invited Talk Series, Lotty, M. (2019) Changing Minds: Trauma-Informed Care in the Fostering Realm’. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], School of Applied Psychology Invited Talk Series, UCC . [Details] | |
| (2019) | Trauma-informed Care in Practice Conference, Lotty, M. (2019) Implementing Trauma-informed Care in the Child Welfare System: Lessons learned from the evaluation of Fostering Connections: The Trauma-informed Foster Care Programme. [Oral Presentation], Trauma-informed Care in Practice Conference, Dublin . [Details] | |
| (2019) | 7th National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference, Lotty, M. (2019) Putting the Hope back into Social Work: Achieving better outcomes for children in Foster care via Trauma-informed Foster Care. [Oral Presentation], 7th National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference, UCC . [Details] | |
| (2019) | 6th Unity Through Relationship International Annual Conference, Lotty, M. (2019) Getting to the heart of the matter: Fostering Connections builds relationships that support children and young people’s development and healing from trauma. [Oral Presentation], 6th Unity Through Relationship International Annual Conference, Dublin . [Details] | |
| (2018) | School of Applied Social Studies PhD Symposium, Lotty, M. (2018) Neither one nor the other: The Challenges of the practitioner-researcher in the PhD Journey. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], School of Applied Social Studies PhD Symposium, UCC . [Details] | |
| (2018) | Irish Foster Care Association Annual National Conference, Lotty, M. (2018) Carving Pathways to Fostering Stability via the Carer-Child Relationship: Exploring a Toolkit for Carers of Children who have experienced Trauma’. [Invited Lectures (Workshops)], Irish Foster Care Association Annual National Conference, Limerick . [Details] | |
| (2018) | Social Work Educational and Social Development International Conference, Lotty, M. (2018) Building Relationships through Fostering Connections: Packing the Practitioner's Toolkit. [Oral Presentation], Social Work Educational and Social Development International Conference, Dublin . [Details] | |
| (2018) | Social Work Educational and Social Development International Conference, Lotty, M. (2018) Time to Find the Evidence: Does Fostering Connections, an evidence-informed intervention improve outcomes for children in Foster Care ?. [Poster Presentation], Social Work Educational and Social Development International Conference, Dublin . [Details] | |
| (2018) | Decisions, Assessment, Risk and Evidence in Social Work 5th International Symposium, Lotty, M. (2018) Does Fostering Connections: The Trauma-informed Care Foster Care Programme deliver? Let us examine the evidence. [Oral Presentation], Decisions, Assessment, Risk and Evidence in Social Work 5th International Symposium, Belfast . [Details] | |
| (2018) | New Horizons Research Conference, Lotty, M. (2018) Time to Find the Evidence: Does Fostering Connections, an evidence-informed intervention improve outcomes for children in Foster Care?. [Poster Presentation], New Horizons Research Conference, UCC . [Details] | |
| (2017) | Masters in Social Work Conference, Lotty, M. (2017) My Journey into Research (Opening Address). [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Masters in Social Work Conference, UCC . [Details] | |
| (2017) | 6th National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference, Lotty, M. (2017) Future Directions in Fostering: The Trauma Perspective, A Seductive Proposition. [Oral Presentation], 6th National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference, UCC . [Details] | |
| (2017) | 4th Unity Through Relationship International Annual Conference, Lotty, M. (2017) Fostering Connections: Relational Practices in Foster Care. [Oral Presentation], 4th Unity Through Relationship International Annual Conference, Dublin . [Details] | |
| (2016) | 3rd Unity Through Relationship International Annual Conference, Lotty, M. (2016) Research to Practice: Trauma-informed Care in Foster Care. [Oral Presentation], 3rd Unity Through Relationship International Annual Conference, Dublin . [Details] | |
| (2016) | Postgraduate Research Conference, Lotty, M. (2016) Supporting foster carers to improve placement stability of children in care with developmental trauma : Initial development and process evaluation of the Fostering Connections Programme. [Oral Presentation], Postgraduate Research Conference, UCC . [Details] | |
| (2015) | 5th National Child Protection and Social Work Conference, Lotty, M; Meldon, S; Buckley, A (2015) What Happened to Me? A Trauma-informed Practice in Fostering. [Oral Presentation], 5th National Child Protection and Social Work Conference, UCC . [Details] |
Committees
| Committee | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Studies Committee, School of Applied Social Studies | Member | 2024 / | |
| Executive Management Group Early Years and Childhood Degree Program | Member | 2024 / | |
| TUSLA, Child and Family Agency Independent Research Ethics Committee | Research Academic Representative | 2021 / 2027 | |
| TUSLA, Child and Family Agency, Cork Area Policy and Implementation Group | Selected Member | 2014 / 2016 |
Education
| Year | Institution | Qualification | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | University College Cork | Continuing Professional Development Certificate in Digital Education | Digital Education | |
| 2022 | University College Cork | Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in HE | Education | |
| 2020 | University College Cork | PhD | Arts (Social Work) | |
| 1995 | Goldsmith's College, University of London | MA and Higher Diploma in Social Work (CQSW) | Social Work | |
| 1990 | University College Cork | B.Soc.Sc. | Social Work and Sociology |
Employment
| Employer | Position | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School of Applied Social Studies, UCC | College Lecturer | 08-JAN-24 / | |
| Adult Continuing Education, UCC | Senior Coordinator (Health and Social Care) | 01-JUL-21 / 07-JAN-24 | |
| Tusla, Child and Family Agency | Coordinator of the Trauma-informed Care Research Project | 01-JUL-16 / | |
| Tusla, Child and Family Agency | Fostering Social Worker | 01-JUL-98 / | |
| Southern Health Board/HSE | Child Protection Social Worker | 01-JUL-96 / | |
| Lewisham Social Services, UK | Children and Families Social Worker | 01-JUL-95 / | |
| North East London Probation Service, UK | Assistant Warden | 01-JUL-92 / | |
| Ogra Chorcai, The Cork Youth Work Association | Teamworker/ Teamworker Supervisor | 01-JUL-90 / |
Journal Activities
| Journal | Role | To / From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bmc Health Services Research | Peer Reviewer | - | |
| Child Care Health And Development | Peer Reviewer | - | |
| The Journal Of Social Work Practice | Peer Reviewer | 17-APR-24 - | |
| Child And Family Social Work | Peer Reviewer | 01-JAN-17 - | |
| Children And Youth Services Review | Peer Reviewer | 16-MAY-17 - | |
| Child Abuse And Neglect | Peer Reviewer | 01-JAN-17 - |
Other Activities
| Description | |
|---|---|
Academic Director (2024- present) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Trauma-informed Care: Theory and Practice Cert | University College Cork | Cork | Ireland (ucc.ie) | |
2024 NUIG TUSLA Joint Training Forum, University of Galway. 'Integrating Trauma-informed Practices to support Child Welfare Best Practice.' [Keynote Speaker], online. | |
2024 The Housing Agency Webinar Series: ‘Trauma-informed Care in Professional Practice: The TARA Practice Model’, [Invited Speaker]. Available at: Trauma Informed Care in Professional Practice (youtube.com) | |
2023 Cork Lifelong Learning Festival, University College Cork, Public Lecture: 'Relationships as a source of Healing and Resilience'', [invited speaker]. | |
2023 Cork Prison Mental Health Week, 'Nurturing Well-Being and Recovery through Resilience' [Invited speaker]. | |
2022 Cork LifeLong Learning Festival Public Seminar, University College Cork: 'Resilience in the Time of Covid' [invited speaker] | |
2022 World Mental Health Day, SHINE: Supporting People affected by Mental ill Health Webinar: Trauma and Recovery: Pain Does not have to Define us: 'The Practice of Trauma-informed Care and Mental Health' [Keynote speaker], online. | |
2022 The 4th Joint UCD Tusla Learning Forum, University College Dublin: 'Realising the Promise: Towards Trauma-informed Practice in the Front-line' [Keynote Speaker]. | |
2021 Partnership, Prevention and Family Support (PPFS) Event for family support staff in Dublin South East/Wicklow Area, Tusla, Child and Family Agency: 'Minding Ourselves after COVID - The Practice of Trauma Informed Care', [Keynote Speaker], Online. | |
2016 NUIG TUSLA Joint Training Forum, University of Galway. 'Responding to the impact of trauma on children in care Trauma Informed Practice in Foster Care.' [Invited Speaker], Galway. |
Teaching Activities
Teaching Interests
Current Modules
Undergraduate CoursesSS2004/SS3111 Personal Lives and Family Policy
SS2032 Practice Preparation and Placement
SS3052 Qualitative Research Methods with Children
SS4002 Working with Children and Families
SS4003 Group Dynamics and Teamwork
SS4004 Early Years Research Report
Post-Graduate Courses
SS6817 Childhood,Youth and Society
SS6806 Understanding Trauma-informed Care: Principles and Theory
SS6807 Application of Trauma-informed Care: Intervention and Practice
ED6079 Trauma-informed Practice in Education: An Introduction
SS6202 Social Work Settings (Adoption and Fostering) (Guest Lecturer)
ED6201 Special Educational Needs - School Organisation and Practice (Guest Lecturer)
MATST Trauma Studies (Master Class)
Research Information
External Collaborators
| Name | Organisation / Institute | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sinead Hegarty | Irish Child and Family Institute | IRELAND | |
| Blathnaid McCabe | Children's Health Ireland | IRELAND | |
| Maria Hayes | TUSLA, Child and Family Agency | IRELAND | |
| Sean Lynch | UCC and HSE | IRELAND |