What happens if I can’t come at a time when I’ve arranged a visit?
Let your ex-partner and the Centre Coordinator know as soon as you can.

How are the visits arranged?
Visits are by referral. The referral can be made by a social worker, solicitor, family mediator, CAFCASS officer or by court order. The person making the referral fills out a referral form and sends it to the Centre Coordinator. How often you come to the Centre depends on you; our Centre opens every 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month from 11 am - 1 pm.
We insist that you and your child or children come and see the Centre before your first arranged visit. This will help you get to know the Centre and the staff, and make your first visit easier.

Is there anything I need to do?
As this is a special time for children to spend with the parent they no longer live with, we ask that new partners do not attend the Centre. Also, please keep disagreements out of the Child Contact Centre. Remember that your child is hurting too. Make this a happy time for them.

Do I have to meet my ex-partner when I go to the Centre?
Not if you don’t want to. Parents are responsible for their children at all times while at the Centre so you will have to wait with your child until your ex-partner arrives. However, the Centre staff can deal with the handover of your child so you don’t need to meet your ex-partner.

Does the Centre make any reports about us?
A Child Contact Centre is independent of the courts, social services or any statutory agency. We do not make verbal or written reports about visits apart from the dates and times of attendance. The only exception to this is if we believe that the child is at risk, or if a member of staff, volunteer, or centre user is at risk of harm.

Are there any rules?
As few as possible! However, the Centre is used by several families at the same time, so we have to ensure the safety of everyone and consideration for others:

• Parents are responsible for the safety and supervision of their children at all times while at the Centre. No child may be left without a parent in attendance.
• You must provide a contact telephone number when leaving children at the Centre.
• A child may only be taken from the Centre during a visit if this is stated on the referral form, or with the written consent of both parents.
• Relatives or friends can only attend if they are named on the referral form.
• There must be no arguing in front of any of the children.
• Abusive or aggressive behaviour and racist or other offensive remarks will not be tolerated. Any visitor acting in such a way will be asked to leave.