08/18/2026
On behalf of the NSC*CWA, we were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Brian Hogan.
Brian generously offered a virtual workshop for our NSC*CWA members this past May called “Staying Well While Doing Good: Powering your own Resilience” and it was very well attended. With 36 years of experience working in the public sector and secure treatment facilities with young people, along with 20 years in senior management developing his expertise in leadership, team development and relational care, Brian brought an incredible depth of knowledge and experience to his work as Director of Relationships at Work.
While his resume was impressive, it was the way Brian brought his knowledge to life that made him so memorable. He married his experience with his personality- sharing stories, bringing warmth and humor, and showing a genuine zest for life. He had an ease and confidence that came from years of experience, while also having a deep passion for making an impact, supporting emerging leaders and connecting with the people around him.
We especially appreciated how Brian modelled a truly relational approach in his workshops. Even within a short 1.5-hour session, he made a point of learning people's names, getting to know participants and creating meaningful connections. He didn't just talk about relational practice- he lived it.
Brian left an impact on all of us who had the opportunity to learn from him, and we are grateful that he shared his time, wisdom, energy and passion with our members and our field.
We will dearly miss Brian and the contribution he made to our International Child and Youth Care community. Our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him during this difficult time. ❤️
In Memoriam
BRIAN HOGAN
It is with profound sadness that we remember the life and work of Brian Hogan - friend, colleague, mentor, practitioner and leader whose contribution to children, young people, families and the wider human services community spanned his entire adult life.
Brian began his career working with children and families in 1991 as a frontline practitioner in Oberstown Boys School in Ireland. Over the course of nearly four decades in public service, he worked across a range of roles, including Unit Manager, Deputy Director and Director. His career was predominantly within Youth Justice, where he worked in some of the most complex and demanding environments, eventually becoming a highly experienced senior leader.
For all of Brian's qualifications, experience and professional accomplishments, perhaps the most important aspect of his development as a leader and practitioner was his recognition of the importance of having a safe and reflective space in which to think, question, learn and make sense of his experiences. Brian understood that working in complex environments requires more than knowledge and expertise. It requires the capacity to reflect, to remain curious, to understand ourselves and others, and to recognise the impact that our work can have on us.
He was particularly committed to supporting those who worked with vulnerable children and young people, including staff in residential care and across the wider human services. His training and professional development work focused on some of the realities faced by practitioners every day: managing risk, engaging with people whose behaviour could be challenging, building positive and lasting relationships, developing confidence within teams and, ultimately, creating better outcomes for the people they served.
As part of the C*C-Net family, Brian will be remembered as a regular and influential contributor at the annual Unity Conference in Dublin. His legacy will live on in the people he supported, the practitioners he developed, the leaders he challenged and encouraged, and in the children, young people and families who benefited from the work of those he influenced.
May he rest in peace.
John Digney and Martin Stabrey
on behalf of C*C-Net
