CHILD CONTACT CENTRES: Specialist / Independent Social Work Team Back to HOME page SUPERVISED CONTACT: Non Resident Parent & Child Contact: Supervised contact ensures the physical safety and emotional wellbeing of a child when risks have been identified. It also assists in building and sustaining positive relationships between a child and members of their non-resident family. Supervised contact; ·        Individual supervision of contact with the supervisor in constant sight and sound of the child. ·       A venue that provides privacy and confidentiality to each child and family and is structured to provide maximum safety to all concerned and maximum stimulation for children. ·        Contact is time limited with a planned aim to regularly assess and review progress and the possibility of safer future outcomes. ·        Written feedback of each session is provided. ·        The level of supervision may be reduced in a planned way after a professional initial/ risk assessment has been made. Some families, after being assessed, may move from constant supervision to intermediate level of supervision, escorted outings or supported or unrestricted contact. Adoption Contact Service: We provide neutral venues for birth families to spend time together and can facilitate supervised or indirect contact as necessary. COMMUNITY CONTACT: Escorted Community contact can be introduced once a regular, safe and sustainable pattern of contact has already been established. It will involve the child(ren) and non-resident parent being accompanied on visits to places such as local parks, shops and restaurants by a member of our staff team.  A written summary of contact is provided. INDEPENDENT COURT REPORTS: These can be used to identify issues and risks that have prevented contact from starting, caused it to breakdown or made it unworkable. The report would make recommendations and work with the family to achieve resolution to move the case on.  They will be carried out over a period of eight - twelve weeks and include: ·        One or more interviews with both parents either separately and or together. ·        Interviews with any other adults involved either directly or indirectly in the contact process. ·        One or more interviews with both parents/ carers, either separately and, or, together. ·        Interviews with any other adults involved either directly or indirectly in the contact process. ·       Possible contact with statutory agencies involved with the adults and children such as doctors, health visitors, social workers and schools. Work will also be undertaken with the child(ren). The nature and extent of this work will be dependent upon the children(s) age(s) and level of understanding, but it is likely to include time spent without either of their parents present and if it is agreed and appropriate with their non-resident parent. A qualified social worker will be responsible for the case and writing the report. This report will address all the issues identified within the referral form. Any attendance at Court required, as a result of this work is included in the cost of the case paid. LIFE STORY WORK: Lifestory work can be used when a child has little or no knowledge of their non resident parent or birth family. The work will focus on establishing and then building upon what a child knows about their family. The social work team will work in a child focused and age appropriate way to aid the child’s understanding of their identity. Lifestory work can be used a stepping stone for future contact arrangements. SIBLING CONTACT: Sometimes following parental separation children can become separated and live with different adults; this can result in them losing contact with their brothers and sisters. Sibling contact is supervised contact (as above) but with the focus being on the children’s interactions with one another. Where possible our experienced team would facilitate and support the children involved in reestablishing positive sibling relationships. INDIRECT CONTACT: Used where direct contact is either unsafe, unworkable and or not in child’s best interests: it involves the child having contact with their non resident parent through a third party by way of letters, cards, gifts and emails. It will initially take place over six month period with an option to extend it to twelve months if required. A member of staff will be responsible for supervising and managing each case. They will work closely with the referring practitioner/ parent to determine the type and frequency of indirect contact that safeguards and promotes a child’s best interests. IMPACT will agree what needs to be included in a report back to the referrer including details of the type of contact, the child’s reaction to it, any problems that arose and any changes that need to be considered or made to the type and frequency of contact. WISHES & FEELINGS REPORTS – CHILDREN: Members of our social work team would work with a child(ren), in a child-focused and age appropriate manner to ascertain their wishes and feelings. They would speak with the child(ren) on a one to one basis, independent of parents. As part of this report the practitioner also speaks with both parents and finds out current views and opinions. The members of staff responsible for delivering this service will prepare and submit a short report to assist any court application. Download Activities Price List Leaflet here