Expert Social Work, Delivered with Care
Independent, evidence-based support for families, courts, and Local Authorities — rooted in 20 years of frontline experience.
Carly
Founder & Independent Social Worker
Guiding Families Ltd provides independent social work services that prioritise the needs of children and families.
My name is Carly, and I am a qualified social worker with over 20 years of experience supporting children and families. Throughout my career, I have worked for Hampshire and West Sussex County Councils, bringing warmth, professionalism, and deep expertise to every family I assist.
My background includes safeguarding work, mentoring social workers, and helping teams grow, all with a focus on wellbeing, fairness, and doing what's right for children. After eight years in frontline safeguarding, I decided to work independently to offer flexible, thoughtful support that aligns with my values of integrity, empathy, and clarity.
I specialise in parenting, kinship, viability, and specialist assessments, and I am trained in ParentAssess and CUBAS. My reports are clear, evidence-based, and designed to aid families and professionals in making informed decisions.
Families and colleagues describe me as reliable, approachable, and solution-focused. I am fully registered with Social Work England, insured, and available for freelance assessments across Hampshire, Southampton, and Portsmouth. Whether you're a parent, carer, legal professional, or agency looking for independent social work services, I am here to provide compassionate support that puts children first.
What Guides Everything I Do
Integrity
Honest, transparent practice in every assessment and report, no matter how complex the situation.
Empathy
Every family is treated with dignity and compassion. I understand how stressful assessments can be.
Clarity
Clear, jargon-free reports that genuinely help families and professionals make informed decisions.
Child-Focused
The welfare of children is always at the centre of every piece of work I undertake.
Qualifications & Accreditations
Ready to Work Together?
Whether you're a parent, solicitor, or Local Authority, I'm here to help. Get in touch for a confidential conversation.