Unsure What Type of Service You Need?
Unsure What Type of Service You Need?
Choosing the right type of contact service for your family or the family you’re working with can feel overwhelming. This page is here to help guide you through the options available, so you can feel more confident in making the choice that best meets your needs.
Please remember that this guide is flexible. We recommend contacting us directly to discuss specific needs and receive tailored guidance. While this page can provide an initial overview, your local center can offer more personalised advice.
Each of these services is designed to provide the right mix of support, flexibility, and security for families at different stages of reconnecting. If you have any questions or want to explore which service might be best for your family, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Choosing the Right Contact Service
If you see multiple concerns from the list below that apply to your situation, it may be best to start with supervised contact, even if it’s just for the first few sessions. Using a child contact center is often a short-term solution—a stepping stone to help families transition. Most families expect to move on within three to six months as they become more comfortable and independent in their arrangements.
It’s important to note that as a NACCC acredited centre, we are obligated to have the final say on referrals, even if there is a Court Order in place. Before including a specific service in a Court Order, please check with the center to confirm the service is suitable for the family’s needs.
Types of Contact Services
Supervised Contact Services
Supervised contact is used when there may be a potential risk of harm or a need for close observation due to complex family circumstances. This service prioritises both the physical safety and emotional well-being of the child, providing a one-to-one observed setting to ensure a safe, positive interaction.
Supervised contact is recommended when there are specific concerns around safety or when multiple complex factors are at play. This service allows for detailed observations and reports, giving families, social workers, or legal representatives a clear understanding of each interaction.
During supervised contact, trained staff stay within sight and sound of the child at all times. Observations are documented, and reports are written after each session to provide insight into the interactions. This service is designed to support families in a structured, secure environment until they are ready to transition to more independent contact settings.
Escorted Supervised Services
Escorted Supervised Contact provides a secure, structured way for children to spend time with a non-resident parent in the community. This service includes a trained professional who not only supervises the interaction but also escorts the child to and from the contact location. These sessions can take place in child-friendly spots like parks, restaurants, or cinemas, giving families a more relaxed atmosphere while still ensuring everyone’s safety.
This service is ideal if you’re looking for a more flexible setting but still need structured supervision to feel secure. It’s particularly helpful when safety is a concern or when family dynamics call for a high level of oversight in public settings.
Our professional staff will accompany the family to the chosen community location, staying nearby throughout the visit to ensure a safe, positive experience. This gives children the chance to interact with a parent in a more natural, everyday setting while still having the support of a trained observer.
Escorted Supported Services
Escorted Supported Contact offers a relaxed, friendly way for children and parents to reconnect outside of a contact center. With this service, a trained staff member accompanies the family to a community setting—like a local café, park, or soft play center—providing support if needed but allowing families to interact more independently.
Escorted Supported Contact is a good option if the family doesn’t require direct supervision but benefits from the presence of a staff member nearby. This type of contact helps make interactions feel more natural and less formal, while still offering a bit of support as families rebuild their connections.
Our team will help coordinate the outing, escorting children to meet their non-resident parent at a location agreed upon in advance. While our staff member will be available for assistance, they’ll stay in the background to allow for a relaxed, family-focused visit. It’s all about creating a comfortable, supportive setting where positive connections can flourish.
Supported Contact
Handover Services
Our Handover Service is designed to make transitions smooth and easy for children when moving from one parent to another. The handover takes place in a neutral location, often at the contact center, so children can go from one parent to the other without direct interaction between parents. This helps minimize tension and creates a stable routine for everyone involved.
This service can be particularly helpful if direct contact between parents is challenging or stressful. It ensures that children can transition smoothly between households, focusing on the child’s comfort and emotional well-being during the exchange.
Our staff handle the entire handover process, providing a familiar, welcoming setting for children. One parent drops off the child, and the other picks them up shortly afterward, so there’s no need for parents to interact. This service is a great way to reduce stress, create consistency, and ensure children feel secure and cared for during transitions.
Pre-visit Assessment
The Pre-Visit Assessment is the first step to accessing our services. This initial meeting helps us get to know you and understand the unique needs of your family. The assessment is all about ensuring we’re the right fit and setting you up with the service that best supports your family’s goals.
Absolutely! This assessment is required for all families using our services. It helps us identify any challenges or concerns that might have prevented contact from starting or caused it to break down. We’ll work with you to make recommendations that promote positive, healthy family connections.
During the assessment, we’ll talk through what contact sessions will look like and prepare everyone involved for the experience. If contact has been minimal or you’re feeling nervous about the process, we’ll also help you manage expectations and prepare for the emotions that may come up. The Pre-Visit Assessment is about setting a positive, supportive foundation so you can feel ready and comfortable moving forward.
Taking the Next Step
We know that using a child contact center is usually a temporary step. It’s all about building trust, stability, and comfort until everyone feels ready to move on independently. We’re here to support you along the way, one step at a time.
If you’re still unsure or want more guidance, please reach out to us. Our friendly team is ready to help answer questions and make sure you find the best fit for your family. Let’s make this journey together, creating a safe, supportive environment where family connections can grow.
Our Services
- Supervised Contact
- Escorted Supervised Contact
- Escorted Supported Contact
- Supported Contact Service
- Handover
- Pre-visit Assessment
Get In Touch With Us
- +44 1183 271150
- enquiry@voiceofthechild.org
- Unit 8, Beacontree Plaza, Gillette Way, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0BS
Opening Hours
F.A.Q. About Our Services
A child contact centre is a safe, neutral place where children of separated families can spend time with their non-resident parent or other family members.
Costs can vary depending on the type of contact service. Please contact us to discuss your specific situation, and we will provide details on any fees involved.
Currently, Voice of the Child Contact Centre does not have specific funding to support families directly. Therefore, our services are self-funded unless the referral is made by social services, in which case the costs might be covered by them. We recommend discussing your situation with your solicitor or your local council to explore any available options.
No, you do not have to meet your ex-partner if you prefer not to. We can arrange staggered arrival times and separate waiting areas.
The type of contact is often determined through discussions between parents, legal advisors, or by a court order. Our role is to support the agreed arrangement in a safe environment.