What is a Child Contact Centre?

A Child Contact Centre is a neutral, safe venue where children of separated families can spend time with the parent they don't live with, and sometimes other family members. The centre provides a comfortable environment with toys, games, and books, supervised by trained volunteers who ensure visits run smoothly.

Who can use the service?

Our service is available to separated families where there are difficulties arranging contact directly. This might include families who:

• Have been referred by the courts
• Have been referred by solicitors or social workers
• Are self-referring because they need a neutral meeting place
• Need support re-establishing contact after a period of separation

How do I make a referral?

Referrals can be made by courts, solicitors, social workers, or by parents themselves (self-referral). To make a referral:

1. Contact our coordinator on 02837 526045 or 07914 959377
2. Download and complete our referral form
3. Email the completed form to emma.accc@btconnect.com
4. Our coordinator will contact you to discuss the next steps

Is there a cost for using the service?

The service is free to parents while funding permits. We are a registered charity (No. 102735) and rely on grants and donations to continue providing this vital service to families in need.

What happens during a visit?

Visits typically last 1-2 hours, depending on what has been agreed. During the visit:

• Children and parents can play with toys and games available at the centre
• Volunteers provide a neutral presence but don't closely observe or supervise
• Parents and children can relax and enjoy their time together
• The focus is on allowing natural, positive interaction

Important: We do not write reports about visits unless there are safeguarding concerns.

What are the rules during visits?

To maintain a safe, neutral environment for everyone, we have strict rules:

We also expect all visitors to treat each other, our volunteers, and our facilities with respect. Aggressive or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.

How long can we use the service?

There is no set time limit, but our service is designed to be a temporary arrangement. The goal is to help families establish or re-establish contact in a neutral setting, with the hope that they can eventually arrange contact independently. The duration of service varies depending on individual family circumstances and is reviewed regularly with our coordinator.

What if there are safety concerns?

The safety of children is our top priority. During the referral process, we conduct a thorough risk assessment. If there are significant safety concerns, supervised contact may not be appropriate at our centre, and we may need to refer you to more specialized services.

If concerns arise during contact, our volunteers are trained to intervene appropriately and will follow our safeguarding procedures. All our staff and volunteers have enhanced Access NI checks and child protection training.

Can family members other than parents attend?

Yes, in some circumstances. With appropriate agreement and referral, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and other family members may be able to have contact with children at our centre. This must be arranged through the referral process and agreed upon by all relevant parties.

What age children can use the service?

We welcome children of all ages, from babies to teenagers. Our facility has toys and activities suitable for different age groups. During the referral process, we'll discuss your child's specific needs and ensure we can accommodate them appropriately.

Do volunteers write reports about the visits?

No. Our volunteers do not write reports or provide feedback to courts or social services about what happens during visits. We are not an assessment or supervised contact service. However, if there are safeguarding concerns, we have a duty to report these to the appropriate authorities.