Information about the centre

The Centre can facilitate contact for a number of families in a safe, warm space. We are equipped with toys for a wide age range. Here a visiting parent and their children can enjoy each other’s company in a neutral venue after a family breakdown. A waiting room is available for the adult bringing the child(ren). The most important people in the Centre are the children.
 

How often can contact take place? 

After the initial pre-visit, arrangements will be made through the Co-ordinator. The Centre is open on a fortnightly basis. We advise that for small babies that visits may need to be shorter than the full 2 hours. We have no time limit for the number of visits but encourage families to move on when possible.
 

Finding the centre 

There is a map and directions detailed on the How to find us page.
 

What happens on arrival?

There are volunteers at both reception areas to greet clients and book them in.

The resident parent/carer will be shown into a waiting room until the child’s visitor arrives. Visitors will be shown to the main room where they will have their own area with a small table, bean bag and comfy chair. The child(ren) will then be taken through by either a volunteer or its accompanying adult.
 

Who is in charge?

The Co-ordinator organises the overall running of the Centre. Each week’s session is led by a Team Leader and assisted by at least 2 other trained volunteers.
 

Who is allowed to have contact? 

The person(s) stated on the court order or whoever has been mutually agreed beforehand in the case of a self-referral...
 

What are the costs? 

We operate a free service. However, as an independent charity we are always grateful for donations to help us with running costs and sustaining the service. 

A story book about contact (age and situation appropriate) is available to prepare the child(ren) for the first contact. The resident parent will be given a copy on their pre visit session.
 

What if clients can’t come?

They should let each other know if possible and must phone the Centre Co-ordinator on 07791 482030 in advance, so that others can be accommodated.

Clients must also ring if they will be late arriving for contact on a Saturday.
 

Are reports about contact given to other agencies and statutory bodies?

No reports are made unless there are concerns for a child’s well-being. We do, if requested, supply dates and times of visits. Arrangements may be made with the Co-ordinator for your session to be observed by an outside agency involved in contact arrangements such as CAFCASS officer or social worker.  These arrangements must be made in advance with the Co-ordinator..
 

Do clients have to meet?

Clients do not have to meet. The resident parent/carer and child(ren) can be admitted into the building at 2.15pm.  Visitors should not arrive before 2.30pm but should be punctual. It may be arranged for visitors to remain behind for five minutes to prevent contact outside on leaving.
 

Can the child go out? 

Yes, if it has been agreed and arranged beforehand between both parents and the Co-ordinator. Some families use the Centre as a ‘handover’ point when both sides have agreed or there is a court order stipulating this. In this instance the visiting parent may take the child(ren) out of the Centre during the hours of contact and then return the child(ren) to the Centre to be handed back to the resident parent/carer.
 

Are there any rules? 

Very few – we are all volunteers and try to maintain a relaxed and informal atmosphere, however; 
 

• Parents are responsible for the safety and supervision of their children at all times. The resident parent/carer must wait with them until their visitor arrives.
• Alcohol and drugs are not permitted on the premises. Centre staff reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone they feel would compromise the safety of the other users.
• Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the premises.
• Photos may be taken with permission from the Team Leader, to preserve confidentiality (unless prevented by court order). It is important to note that mobile phones may not be used to make or take calls during contact.
• The facilities provided should be respected and the play equipment and toys used apprioriately.
• The privacy and confidentiality of other clients should be respected.
• Disruptive or unreasonable behaviour will be met with a request to leave the building.
• By mutual agreement between both parties, volunteers are happy to overview toileting and changing. If this is not acceptable, the adult bringing the child must remain in waiting room to help if required.

Finally

If anyone feels that there is anything more we can do to help or if anyone has any complaints, comments or praise, we would be grateful if they would mention it to the Co-ordinator or volunteers on duty.

It is unfair to draw children into parental disputes or pump them for information.This is a safe area where children can feel unpressurised, be able to enjoy themselves and have good memories.

We are here to help you and your child(ren).

You may find it helpful to watch the following short animation with your  children. It is about how four children get on when they visit a child contact centre (video courtesy of Relationship Scotland).