Child Law Hub - About Us

Who we are

We are a small team of 15 staff, volunteers and a youth advisory panel called youth@clc. We believe that:

Children’s Rights Change Children’s Lives

What we do

The Children’s Law Centre works to protect your rights and the rights of all children and young people living in NI.

  • We run a free and confidential legal advice service for children and young people. e.g. we help children and young people with disabilities, special educational needs, mental health problems and homeless young people to get the services they need.
  • We advise government on how to make better laws and policies for young people.
  • We ask young people how we can improve our advice service.
  • We run training, workshops and conferences on children’s rights.

Meet our team

Emma-Rose Duffy
Solicitor

As a solicitor I work with children, young people and their families to protect their rights and ensure their voices heard.

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Paul Hamilton
Training and Engagement Co-ordinator

I work with children's rights experts at CLC to develop learning programmes that help increase knowledge and awareness of children's rights.

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Diane Hammond
Advice Worker

I provide legal information and advice on the rights of children and young people.

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Rachel Hogan
Special Education Needs Representative

I work within the legal team, giving specialist support on special educational needs and disability issues.

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Paddy Kelly
Director

I am responsible for the management, development and resourcing of CLC. Working with colleagues and CLC’s Management Committee, I ensure CLC is enabled to support children and young people to claim their rights.

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Claire Kemp
Policy Officer
I work on policy which includes writing consultation responses, briefings to decision-makers and delivering training on children’s rights issues.
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Liam Mackle
Advice Manager

My job is to provide legal information and advice on the rights of children and young people.

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Catherine Maguire
Advice Worker

I provide legal information and advice on the rights of children and young people.

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Sarah McAuley
Receptionist/Administration Assistant

I am the receptionist and admin support. I am usually the first person you see, or voice you hear, when you call CLC.

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Fergal McFerran
Policy and Public Affairs Manager

My job is to make sure we’re using all of CLC’s experience and expertise to engage, inform and influence decision makers to uphold the rights of children and young people.

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Eamonn McNally
Mental Health Solicitor

I provide advice and representation for children and young people with mental health needs at the Mental Health Review Tribunal and take judicial reviews on their behalf.

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Katie Mercer
Trainee Solicitor

I am training to be a Solicitor. My role is supported by the Legal Education Fund's Justice First Fellowship. As part of my training, I assist with CLC's legal work. I will also undertake a project on access to justice as part of the Justice First Fellowship.

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Sam Nelson
Communications and Marketing Manager

I manage the communications at CLC, making sure children's rights issues are heard by those who matter, especially children and young people themselves.

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Helen Rafferty
Head of Administration and Finance Unit

As part of the Senior Management Team I am responsible for office and admin management including financial implementation, HR, payroll and procurement.

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Kathryn Stevenson
Head of Legal Services

As Head of Legal Services, I am responsible for the operational management and strategic direction of CLC’s legal team.

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Trevor Wright
Head of Operations

I support the Board of Trustees and work along with CLC staff to ensure the smooth running of operations.

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Young Peoples Gallery

Our Vision

A society where all children can participate, are valued, their rights are respected and guaranteed without discrimination and every child can achieve their full potential.

Our History

The Children's Law Centre was established in September 1997. It is founded upon the principles laid down in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.