Dr Penny Zagarelou-Mackieson

Penny has devoted her career to researching, developing, advocating, and implementing ethical evidence-based policies and services that effectively meet the needs, rights, and well-being of vulnerable people.

As a social worker, Penny has worked in direct practice, supervisory and management roles, primarily in Victorian Government programs for vulnerable children, young people, and their families. In this context, Penny’s PhD research explored the introduction and implementation of Permanent Care Orders in Victoria’s child protection and out-of-home care system.

Penny has also written two books on adoption, Adoption Deception and Greek Actually.