What are contact centres?

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Contact factsheet. December 2007

These are places where a non-resident parent (or another relative) can have contact with the child in a neutral environment that is not in either parent's home. Contact centres are normally staffed by volunteers and can usually be found in places such as local community centres or church halls. They operate similarly to playgroups or community centres and many will charge a fee for their services.

Parents will usually attend contact centres because a court order has been made where the court considers that there is a possible risk of harm, either to the parent with care or the child. Social workers, solicitors and Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) officers can also make referrals. It is unlikely that you would be able to self-refer to a contact centre.

Using a contact centre is not usually a permanent solution as, after a time, it is hoped that the situation will move on so that contact can take place elsewhere. In many areas there is a shortage of contact centres and it is not usually possible for contact to take place in one for more than two hours at a time on alternate weeks - usually a Saturday.

Is contact supervised in a contact centre?

Often the contact taking place in a contact centre is called 'supervised contact'. In practice, it is rare to actually find a contact centre that provides supervised contact visits. What is actually provided is 'supported contact', which means there will be volunteers around who will generally oversee all visits taking place, but do not supervise individual contact arrangements. Anyone who is concerned about the type of service that a contact centre provides should speak to staff beforehand to find out what it will be like. For further information about contact centres, contact the National Association of Child Contact Centres on 0845 4500 280 or see www.naccc.org.uk.

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