Child Contact Centre
What types of contacts are there?
Supported within Centre Contact
Supporting contact within the Centre when required. Information on interactions before, during or after the contact is not recorded, unless it is a child protection or health and safety issue. A record of attendance is kept and an attendance report can be provided upon request.
Supported Hand-Over Contact
Providing a venue to "pick up" and "drop off" children for out-of-centre contact. Staff support the hand-over of the child from one parent to the other. A record of attendance is kept and an attendance report can be provided upon request.
Supervised within Centre Contact
Supervised contact is a provision identified in situations where contact takes place in the constant presence of a third party with direct responsibility to observe and ensure the safety of those involved.Factual reports can be provided upon request.
How long does referral take?
The process is dependent on things such as parental cooperation, the judicial process and availability of a place at the Centre. There is no set time for how long the process takes from the first point of trying to obtain contact to the actual contact taking place.
What kind of people run them?
Child Contact Cetnres are operated by a management committee and trained staff (both paid and volunteers). The managment committee consists of qualified people with relevant backgrounds, and can include sheriffs, social workers, teachers, solicitors, doctors etc. All staff members are trained in child protection, health and safety, conflict management, confidentiality and domestic abuse.
What age do children have to be to use a Centre?
There is no age limit at Child Contact Centres. While many children are younger, some young people at the age of 16 or over may have learning difficulties and require the use of a safe venue. Child Contact Centres provide that place regardless of a child's age.
How much will it cost?
There is no charge for handovers or supported contact but there is a charge for supervised contact and any requested attendance reports.
How do people get to use them?
Those wishing to make a referral should get in touch with us so detailed arrangements of the contact can be discussed. Most referrals are made through the court, solicitors or social work, but some Centres accept self-referrals. Please note that we have the right to refuse a referral or cancel a service once it has begun.
