How can HOPE Contact Centre Help You?
We firmly believe that communication is of utmost importance for children and parents to build a strong and open relationship. Overcoming obstacles, discussing and reaching agreements are some of the ways our contact centre can be useful to families. By giving families and children the opportunity to communicate in a friendly, safe and secure environment where they can feel comfortable and at ease, means that the welfare of the child/children is always the main focus during any session. We want to help and assist families so that they can begin to move in a positive direction.
What is a Children’s Contact Service?
Children’s Contact Services help children from separated families to establish or maintain a relationship with the parent they do not live with. When families separate and the transfer of children from one parent to another is a problem, a Children’s Contact Service provides a neutral venue for safe changeovers. Where necessary, or as directed by a court order, the service can supervise the time children spend with a parent or other family members. Sometimes this is because of allegations of violence.
What contact services do we provide?
Supervised Contact
Our Supervised Contact service is designed for situations where a child has suffered or is at risk of suffering harm during contact. In these circumstances, the safety and well-being of the child are paramount. A qualified contact supervisor will be present throughout the entire contact session between the non-resident parent and child/ren. This ensures that all interactions are carefully observed and documented. Our supervisors are trained to maintain a neutral and objective stance, focusing on the child’s safety and emotional well-being.
Following the session, a comprehensive and detailed report is prepared, outlining the observed interactions and any relevant behaviours. This report is then promptly sent to the relevant professionals, including social workers, legal representatives, and CAFCASS officers, providing essential information for decision-making regarding the child’s future care and contact arrangements.
Escorted Contact
Our Escorted Contact service extends the supervised contact model to visits outside of the centre. This service allows children and non-resident parents to enjoy outings in the community, such as visits to parks or shops, while maintaining the necessary level of supervision. As with our Supervised Contact, this service is employed when there are concerns regarding the child’s safety and well-being. A qualified contact supervisor will accompany the child and parent at all times, ensuring a safe and controlled environment.
The supervisor will carefully observe and document interactions, providing a comprehensive report to relevant professionals following the visit. This service provides an opportunity for children and parents to experience more natural and engaging interactions while still prioritizing the child’s safety and adhering to necessary safeguarding measures.
Supported Contact
Our Supported Contact service provides a nurturing and relaxed environment for children and their families to reconnect and build positive relationships. This service is designed for situations where there are minimal concerns regarding safety or well-being, but families may benefit from a neutral and supportive setting. Our experienced staff facilitate contact visits, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, and are on hand to offer guidance and support as needed.
The focus is on creating a positive and enjoyable experience for the child, allowing them to spend quality time with their loved ones in a safe and neutral space. We strive to promote natural interactions and encourage healthy communication, empowering families to strengthen their bonds and build lasting memories. This service aims to provide a stepping stone for families working towards independent contact, fostering confidence and positive interactions.
HANDOVERS
Our Handover service provides a secure and neutral point of exchange for children between parents, minimising direct interaction if needed. This service is designed to facilitate smooth transitions, ensuring that children can maintain contact with both parents without unnecessary stress or conflict. Parents have the option to avoid meeting during the handover, with our trained staff or volunteers managing the exchange. The non-resident parent will collect the child from the centre for the duration of the visit and return them at the agreed-upon time.
It’s important to note that Handover services do not involve active supervision during the visit itself, and therefore, no formal reports are generated. This service prioritises a safe and efficient transfer, focusing on the child’s comfort and minimising parental conflict during the exchange.
Community Contact
Our Community Contact service extends contact visits beyond the centre, allowing for more natural and engaging interactions within the community. This service is designed for situations where contact can be safely conducted in public settings, such as parks, community centres, or even the parent’s home, based on pre-arranged agreements. Community Contact arrangements are established before the session, ensuring clarity and structure for all parties involved.
This service allows children and parents to experience contact in a more relaxed and familiar environment, fostering positive interactions and meaningful connections. As with our supervised services, detailed observational reports are provided for Community Contact sessions, documenting the interactions and providing valuable insights for relevant professionals. These reports ensure accountability and transparency, contributing to the ongoing assessment of the child’s well-being and contact arrangements.
We have 2 contact centres in London and both are well located and easily accessible via public transport.
DO YOU WANT TO DISCUSS A REFERRAL?
Navigating supervised and supported contact can be complex. At HOPE Contact Centre, we simplify the process. We accept referrals from social workers, courts, parents, and family solicitors.
|Need clarity or assistance? We’re just a call or email away – contact us, and let us help you build bridges.