Contact Supervision
Our aim is to bring children, their parents and other family members together so that they can communicate freely, share quality time together and build strong and secure relationships.
Our Supervised Contact Service provides a child or children not living with their parent(s) a place to meet and enjoy contact with them, and other family members, in a safe, secure, supportive and friendly environment.
Our service enables and helps a child or children to maintain and sustain relationships with their families. Our supervised contact service can be beneficial for children in various situations, such as following separation or divorce, parental alienation, or when there are safeguarding concerns.
Supervised contact takes place at our Family Contact Centres in Ilford and Barking, as well as other premises registered to HOPE Superjobs Ltd.
Bringing children and family members together to build strong and secure relationships.
OUR AIM
- Provide a safe, secure and supportive environment for the child/children
- Provide professional, trained and impartial supervisors and service staff
- Encourage parents and family members to use the service and the centre to support them and their children
- Advise and guide parents and family members in the care, support and welfare of their child/children
We offer supervised contact services at our Ilford and Barking locations, and collaborate with East London Solutions (comprising the London Boroughs of Redbridge, Waltham Forest, Havering, Barking & Dagenham, and Tower Hamlets) to provide contact services across a wider area of London. HOPE are also expanding our network to partner with other London boroughs.
We understand that not everyone can travel to our Family Contact Centre locations. Our supervisors can travel to other premises to conduct contact sessions, offering greater accessibility and flexibility for families. Wherever the session takes place, our qualified supervisors will always be present to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.
HOPE Family Contact Centre is a neutral, safe, secure and friendly environment where children meet and spend quality time with non-resident parents and family members.
Do you need a safe and supportive space for your children to maintain contact with a parent or family member they don’t live with?
Supervised contact services provide a structured and secure environment for children to maintain positive relationships with a parent or family member they don’t live with full-time.
Our contact centre workers are committed to safeguarding and promoting the development and wellbeing of children.
The contact services we provide include:
Supervised contact is when the situation has been determined that the child has suffered, or will be at any sort of risk of suffering harm during the contact. In this case, a qualified contact supervisor will supervise the contact session between the non-resident parent and child/ren at all times. After the session, a report will be completed and sent to the relevant professionals.
Supported contact is suitable for families where no significant risk to the child has been identified. Here staff and volunteers will be available for assistance however, there is no close observation, monitoring or detailed reports. There is a chance that the family may have to share the contact room with another. The child safety remains paramount.
Escorted contact involves the child and non-resident parent to be accompanied on visits outside the centre, such as the park, shops etc. As this is classed as a supervised contact, a report will also be provided.
Community contact is when the contact is arranged to be out in the community rather than the contact centre. The contact arrangements are made prior to the session. This may include the parent’s homes. Reports will also be provided for this contact.
During handovers the parents of the child do not have to meet. This is optional. The handover can be done by the centre’s staff or volunteers. The non-resident parent will take the child out of the centre for the duration of the visit and then bring them back to the centre after the session is over. A report will not be made, as a supervisor will not be present during the visit.
How Supervised Contact Services Work: A Safe Space for Family Connections
Referral and Assessment:
Referral:
A social worker, family court, or other professional may refer a family to supervised contact services. Supervised contact may occur voluntarily or may be ordered by the courts.
Assessment:
A qualified professional will assess the family’s situation and needs to determine if supervised contact is appropriate. This may involve consultations with parents and potentially the child, depending on their age and maturity.
Planning the Contact Session:
Venue:
The contact session can take place at our family contact centre locations, or a supervisor can travel to a partner location within East London Solutions or other collaborating boroughs.
Frequency and Duration:
The frequency and duration of contact sessions will be determined based on the specific needs of the family and the court order (if applicable).
Preparing the Child:
Depending on the child’s age and understanding, a supervisor might help prepare them for the contact session.
Structured Activities:
Supervisors may plan age-appropriate activities for the visit, creating a comfortable and engaging atmosphere for the child and the family member.
The Supervised Contact Session:
Safe and Neutral Environment
When a court order is in place, our service will supervise the time spent by a child or children with a parent or parents and family members. A qualified supervisor will be present throughout the entire session to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. The supervisor will also maintain a neutral stance and not participate in the interaction between the child and the family member.
Communication Facilitation
The supervisor can facilitate communication between the child and the family member, if necessary.
Documentation
The supervisor will typically document the session, noting any relevant observations or concerns.
We currently provide contact supervision for many families within many London boroughs and we also work with private clients in and around the UK. We have a centre co-ordinator and a pool of 20+ supervisors.
All of our staff who have direct contact with the children have an up to date DBS, which are kept up to date. All of our Contact Supervisors have attended child protection and/or safeguarding training. Our centre also has a staff member who has been trained as a First Aider.
As well as the London boroughs, we work in partnership with CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service)
Find out more about our contact supervision service, and our contact centre locations.
BOOK A CONSULTATION
Our friendly staff are always available to provide any information about our services that you require.
Our team are happy to respond to any questions you may have and give you more information about our services.