St Albans Child Contact Centre
About Us
Introduction
The St Albans Child Contact Centre is a voluntary organisation and was formed in 2008 by the initiative of the Mothers’ Union branch of the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Albans. The majority of volunteers are members of the Mothers’ Union and we all give our time voluntarily. We all undergo training, e.g. First Aid, Health & Safety, Conflict Management and a DBS check
Our Centre
St Albans Child Contact Centre is a safe, friendly and neutral place where children of separated families can spend time with the non-resident parent, and sometimes other family members.
Contact Centres are not intended as a long term meeting place for families. The hope is that parents will, after a while, be able to make their own contact arrangements independent of the 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. It’s a place with toys, games, books and materials where the children play and have fun with their non-resident parent.
Our Centre –
- is spacious
- has toilets and nappy changing facilities
- provides free refreshments
- provides a separate room where the resident parent can wait If they wish
- provides free car parking
The Centre is run by fully trained volunteers. They are impartial, so they do not take sides, and strict confidentiality applies.
Further information is available in our Welcome leaflet which can be downloaded here.
Adult Relationships
Adult relationships can remain difficult after parents separate. Yet, the majority of children want – and need, to maintain a relationship with parents and other relatives who are important to them. Not all separated parents find it easy to achieve this. Trust may have broken down. Communications may have become difficult. If so, it may seem almost impossible to make arrangements for a child to spend quality time with the parent or relative they no longer live with. This is where we can help.
The basic elements of our service
- Impartiality
- Our volunteers are available for assistance but there is no close observation, monitoring or evaluation of individual contacts/conversation.
- Several families will be together in one large hall.
- Encouragement for families to develop mutual trust.
- No detailed reports made unless risk of harm.
Although there needs to be at least one parent with your child at all times while at the Contact Centre, volunteers can deal with the handover of your child so you do not have to meet your ex-partner if you do not wish to.
NACCC Accreditation
NACCC Accreditation is recognised by CAFCASS and the judiciary as the standard required, ensuring the needs of children and families come first. It involves the successful completion of a portfolio of evidence (assessed as proof that services have achieved these standards) and a site visit by a NACCC approved assessor.
All NACCC child contact centres which offer supported contact undergo an accreditation process which is renewed every three years. Accreditation demonstrates that the centre is working to the national standards for supported contact. Click on the following link to visit the National Association of Contact Centres
Next: About You