We recently hosted an Instagram Live session featuring Kara Wood, a family contact supervisor from Nurture Family Contact Services. Kara shared valuable insights on child contact and child contact centres.

Here is a summary of the main points discussed:

Child contact centres are neutral, safe spaces where children can spend time with a parent or family member they do not live with. These centres can be crucial in situations involving conflict or safety concerns between parents, or when a court has ordered supervised or supported contact. Understanding the various types of contact centres, the services they provide, and the circumstances under which they are used is essential for the well-being of children and families.

When to Use a Contact Centre

While parents are encouraged to make their own arrangements where possible, this is not always feasible. Contact centres can be particularly helpful in the following scenarios:

  • Restarting Contact: After a break, contact centres provide reassurance and support to get contact started again.
  • During Court Proceedings: While the best way of arranging contact is being considered by the court.
  • Post-Court Process: To enable continued contact once court proceedings have ended.

Court-Ordered Contact

Courts may order supervised or supported contact at a contact centre or in the community for several reasons:

  • Safety Concerns: Allegations or evidence of domestic abuse, violence, neglect, or substance misuse may necessitate supervised contact to minimize risk.
  • Parental Conflict: Ongoing disputes between parents can harm children; supervised contact offers a neutral environment.
  • Reunification in Foster Care: Supervised contact helps reintegrate parents into their children’s lives under structured supervision.
  • Risk of Abduction: Supervised contact prevents unauthorized removal of the child.
  • Mental Health or Addiction Issues: Supervision can ensures children are not exposed to harmful situations in these circumstances.

Types of Contact Centres

Contact centres can be privately run or part of the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC). Private centres offer holistic services for a fee, while NACCC centres, typically located in community centres or church halls, provide safe spaces for children to meet with their parents. NACCC centres adhere to high standards of safety and professionalism.

Contact centres offer several benefits:

  • Safety and Supervision: Ensures interactions are closely monitored by trained professionals.
  • Compliance with Court Orders: Ensures contact arrangements are followed correctly and safely.
  • Support for Families: Facilitates positive communication and interactions, promoting healthier relationships.

Supported vs. Supervised Contact

  • Supported Child Contact: Suitable when there are no significant safety concerns. Staff or volunteers ensure comfort and safety but do not directly supervise interactions. This arrangement is generally short-term, lasting a few sessions to around six months.
  • Supervised Child Contact: Necessary for higher risks or complex family dynamics. Experienced staff are within sight and sound of the child at all times, making detailed observations and compiling reports. This type of contact can be short-term or extend over longer periods.

Alternatives to Contact Centres

Both supported and supervised child contact can occur in community settings, such as parks or cafes, provided the environment is safe and appropriate. Supported contact in community locations ensures comfort and well-being without direct supervision. Supervised contact in community settings involves experienced staff making detailed observations.

Conclusion

Child contact centres provide vital services to families during challenging times, especially amidst acrimonious court proceedings and serious safeguarding concerns. Supervisors at these centres facilitate interactions rather than assess parenting, intervening only when necessary, such as when a child is at risk. Their support can be crucial in maintaining or rebuilding relationships between children and their non-resident parents, offering a stepping stone to healthier family dynamics.

 

For the full discussion, watch our Instagram Live here.

*Disclaimer: Please note anything discussed within our Instagram Lives does not consitute legal advice, nor should be taken as such. Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP accepts no liability for any act, omission or any other loss arising out of information given in the above.

Get in Touch

Tom Joyce is a solicitor in our family team based in Chelmsford.

For further advice on the above subject please contact us on 08081 891 596, or via our online enquiry form.