Keynote Speaker: Robbie Gilligan

Robbie Gilligan is Professor of Social Work and Social Policy at Trinity College Dublin. He is also Head of the School of Social Work, and Social Policy, and Associate Director (and co-founder) of the Children's Research Centre at TCD.In addition, he is co-ordinator of the MSc in Child Protection and Welfare.

Robbie has been a youth worker, social worker, foster carer and board member of various social service organisations. His research interests include children in state care, family support, and programmes to combat social disadvantage among young people. Robbie has particular interest in strength - based perspectives and experience in evaluation and action-research.

He is Vice-President of Childwatch International Research Network and on the Board of the European Scientific Association for Residential and Foster Care. He is also a member of the Editorial and Advisory Boards for several journals.

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This paper will address the key conference themes of resilience, rights and responsibilities to explore how community life, professional practice and social policy can be more attuned to the needs of vulnerable children. It will consider the parts children, families, communities, professionals, government and the wider public can play in creating conditions in which children can thrive. It will argue that our approach must be guided not only by an application of knowledge, but also by a sense of hope.