Child contact centre

A contact centre is a neutral place where children of separated families can enjoy contact with their non-resident parents and sometimes other family members, in a comfortable and safe environment. Child contact services are classified into two distinct categories, supported and supervised (which handle cases with safeguarding issues). Its primary role is to support and promote contact between those parents, grandparents, guardians and children that do not have a Residence Order (non-resident parent).

Use of a contact centre may be ordered by a family court in cases where:

• contact is being resumed after a break and there are concerns raised by the resident parent.
• when there are allegations by either party of
  • domestic violence or spousal abuse
  • child abuse either; sexual abuse, emotional abuse or physical abuse
  • neglect
• where there is parental alienation present or where one of the parties involved in the dispute has an implacable hostility toward another.
• where this has been deemed necessary by a custody evaluator or child welfare officer for welfare reasons, for evaluation purposes or else as a result of an abuse of power.