This involves someone to be allocated to be present during contact between a parent or significant other and the child. It is used when a court has determined that a child is at risk of suffering harm during contact with a parent or parents. The court will usually refer the case to children and family court advisory and support service officer (CAFCASS), Local Authority or a child contact centre. However, in exceptional circumstances, a person can self-refer to a child contact centre.
The purpose of supervised contact is to ensure the physical and emotional safety of the child. They assist in building and sustaining positive relationships between the child and their parent. A parent who is worried about his or her child’s safety
with the other parent can rest assured that a supervisor will be present at all times to safeguard their children.
Venues:
Supervised contact between the parent and the child can take place at:
The venue must provide privacy and confidentiality to the child and family, offering maximum safety to all parties.
We have a family Support Centre which is cozy, easy to access and close to local amenities.
Contact Supervisor:
A contact supervisor is an individual who will supervise and monitor the contact session. They are trained to intervene immediately and firmly, if necessary.
The venue must provide privacy and confidentiality to the child and family, offering maximum safety to all parties.
Their role is to ensure that contact rules are adhered to during the con- tact sessions to ensure safe and child-focused sessions.
They will observe and record what they see in the manner appropriate to the purpose of protecting the child and working in a planned way with the parent.
Only a DBS-checked supervisor will be allowed to supervise the child and the family member.
Purpose of supervised contact:
Supervised contact ensures the physical and emotional safety of the child. They assist in building and sustaining positive relationships between the child and their parent. A parent who is worried about his or her child’s safety with the other parent can rest assured that a supervisor will be present at all times to safeguard their children (Nacc, 2021).
How supervised contact works with Springcare Support Services?
Springcare Support Services supervise contact between significant others ( inc parents), and the child to provide them with a right to family life, and safeguard them from a risk of harm.
Providing services in contact centres, homes (assessed) and the community.
All contact supervisors are fully trained, DBS checked and have ID cards which can be verified at any time.
Providing reports after the contact within 7 days of visits or, if needed, urgently provide an express service where a report can be provided within 48hrs of the session. Our reports can be used to inform the court to determine long-term care for the child.
If there are child protection concerns, they are reported within 24hrs of the session.
