Birth Parent Support Worker

Cathrine joined the ARC Adoption team in 2025 as a Birth Parent Support Worker, a role which involves supporting birth family members with keeping in touch with their adopted children, providing emotional support, signposting and supporting them in accessing other services to improve their wellbeing and helping them to navigate the complexities of life after adoption. Cathrine was no stranger to ARC, having previously worked with the team as a sessional Social Worker completing independent Prospective Adopter Assessments for a number of years. 

Prior to working with ARC, Cathrine worked as a Social Worker in child protection and then with children who were looked after. She also worked with children in a residential setting, helping them to learn skills to access education and cope in the world beyond school. This involved focussed activities aimed at teaching emotional regulation, strategies for coping in certain situations and life skills. Cathrine also worked in children’s homes for 3 years caring for children who weren’t able to live with their families and in some cases supporting children in returning to live with their family – all work which she found extremely rewarding. 

Outside of work, Cathrine is happily married to David, and they are proud parents to their amazing teenage son and mischievous dog Bella. She loves hiking, travelling, photography and spending time with friends and family. She has also recently trained in reflexology – something which the team is very happy for her to test out on them!