HARPENDEN CHILD CONTACT CENTRE         General information about Child Contact Centres
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What is a Child Contact Centre? A Child Contact Centre is a safe, friendly and neutral place where children of separated families can spend time with one or both parents, and sometimes other family members. It is a child centred environment that puts the needs of the children first. There are around 180 centres in operation nationwide that are members of the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC). The NACCC gives help, guidance and training to these centres. Altogether it is estimated that 100,000 children lose contact with a parent each year, so this service provides a way of maintaining contact and often leads to improvements in parental and child relationships within the family. What is it like at a Child Contact Centre? The most important people in the Child Contact Centre are the children. We aim to create a warm, sociable atmosphere where parents and children can relax and enjoy themselves. The Centre has an area with a variety of games, toys and books for children of all ages. Tea, coffee and other refreshments are provided. The Child Contact Centre is run by fully trained volunteers or staff. They are impartial, so they do not take sides. They work to a strict confidentiality policy and have all been through a Criminal Records Bureau (police) check. How are the visits arranged? Visits are by referral only. The referral can be made by a social worker, solicitor, family mediator, CAFCASS officer (formerly known as a court family welfare officer), or by a court order. The person making the referral fills out a referral form and sends it to the Centre Co-ordinator who then makes appointments for the visits. Do you have to meet your ex-partner when you go to the Centre? Not if you don’t want to. Parents are responsible for their children at all times while at the Centre so you will have to wait with your child until your ex-partner arrives. However, the Centre staff can deal with the handover of your child so you don’t need to meet your ex-partner. We have a waiting room if you wish to stay during the period of the visit. Only those people named on the referral form can visit the centre for family contact.

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