The Centre...

What is it like at the Centre?

The children who visit our Centre are VIP's. We try to create a warm, sociable environment where parents and children can relax and enjoy each others company. Our Centre has a variety of toys and games for children of all ages. We always provide tea, coffee and squash for our visitors; confectionery can also be purchased. You may want to bring lunch (as our session takes place between 1pm-3pm), special drinks, favourite toys or any other items such as nappies.

Our Centre is run by trained volunteers. We are impartial, so we do not take sides. We also work to a strict confidentiality policy and have been through an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check.

How are the visits arranged?

Contact at our Centre takes place by referral. The referral is made to the Centre Co-ordinator, usually by a solicitor, family mediator, CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service), or by a court order. Referrals are made by completing a referral form and sending it to the Co-ordinator. If this is your first referral please read the guidelines for referrers and the rules of the Centre.

To make it easier for the child and the parent, our Co-ordinator will then make an appointment to meet you at the Centre, this is called a Pre-visit. This will help you all to be more relaxed on your first visit and allow you to meet some of our volunteers.

What happens if I can't come to a session?

Let your ex-partner or solicitor and the Centre Coordinator know as soon as you can.

Are there any rules?

As few as possible! However, our Centre is used by several families at the same time, so we have to ensure the safety of, and consider, everyone that is using it. A full copy of the rules is available for download by clicking here and will be given to all cleeints at the time of referral.

Do I have to meet my ex-partner when I come to your Centre?

Not if you don't want to since our Centre is set up with two separate entrances. Parents are responsible for their children at all times, so you will have to wait until your ex-partner arrives. We have a hospitality room for the parents who are waiting for their children prior to, and during, the contact session. Our Centre staff will deal with the handover of your child; which is always done with great sensitivity.

Does the Centre make reports about us?

Our Centre is independent of the courts, social services or any statutory agency. We do not make any verbal or written reports about visits, except for the dates and times of attendance. However, if we thought that a child may be at risk, or if a member of staff, volunteer or other Centre user was at risk of harm, then we would need to take appropriate action.

Is there anything I need to do?

The visit to our Centre is a special time for children to spend with the parents they no longer live with, so we ask that new partners do not attend. Also, we would like to keep it a safe and peaceful place, and because of this we want to keep disagreements out of the Child Contact Centre. Remember that your child is hurting too. Make this a happy time for them.

Is there a cost?

We ask for a referral fee of £20 per parent as a one-off fee for the use of the Centre. Generally this is handled via the solicitors where these are involved.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us