Child Contact Centres
Child Contact Centres are places where children of separated families can spend time with one or both parents, and sometimes with other family members, in safe, comfortable and neutral premises - when there are no other viable options.
There is a network of about a hundred such centres around the country, with a formal code of practice. Some are staffed by social services staff dealing with one-to-one cases; others are staffed by volunteers, overseeing visits arranged by a court welfare officer, social worker or solicitor. Toys and games and low-cost refreshments are provided, in a child-friendly environment. Without being intrusive, the staff stay in the room at all times during a visit, for the benefit of both the children and the parents. Separate entrances and waiting areas for each parent are available if wanted.
In this diocese there are Centres at Brighton, Chichester, Crawley, Eastbourne, Hastings, Horsham, Lewes and Worthing, most of which are open two Saturday mornings or afternoons each month. They are supported by the local churches and by the Mothers’ Union.
For further information refer to the National Association of Child Contact Centres
Tel 0845 4500 280
contact@naccc.org.uk
www.naccc.org.uk 