Children's Contact Service

This a service providing safe and positive contact arrangements for children whose parents are separated.

It is widely recognised that, with only some exceptional situations, ongoing contact with both parents after a family break-up is very important for a child's wellbeing and future development.

For many separated parents feelings such as anger, hostility and fear make it difficult to manage contact and shared care arrangements. Sometimes, contact between a child and his or her non-residential parent ceases altogether. This can lead to confusion, insecurity and trauma for the child caught in the middle.

The Children's Contact Service makes it possible for contact arrangements to take place with a minimum of stress both for children and their parents. It can also help with establishing a relationship between child and parent when there has been a period of limited or no contact.

The services that are provided include:

planning, negotiating and setting up contact arrangements using the service
facilitated changeover to enable the child to be transferred smoothly from one parent to the other at contact times without the parents meeting
supervised contact visits to enable the child and the visiting parent to enjoy quality time together
separate appointments for both parents
privacy and confidentiality
an established children's centre with toys, games and equipment
practical, sensible security including separate entrances and exits for each parent wherever possible
experienced and qualified staff.

Advantages of using the service

Contact can be made using an independent third party.
Parents do not have to deal directly with each other.
It provides a relaxed, safe and neutral environment for children and parents.
Both parents can feel they are doing the best for their child.
Both parents can be more relaxed, knowing there will be no opportunity for arguments or revisiting the past