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.