Family Contact Centre

FSW runs the Eastbourne Family Contact Centre.. The Centre is accredited to the National Association of Child Contact Centres to offer Supported and Supervised contact. It provides a safe, neutral and welcoming space for non-resident parents to meet with their children.  One of FSW’s family support practitioners co-ordinates the Centre’s work, supported by a number of volunteers.

 It is situated at The Gateway Centre, 66-70 Lottbridge Drive, Eastbourne and provides a warm and relaxed atmosphere where estranged parents can spend time with their children playing games or simply enjoying  each other’s company.  We provide books and toys for children of all ages as well as refreshments. The video here explains in child-friendly terms what happens at a contact centre and may be useful to show children in preparation for a visit.

Our opening times are:

Supported contact – 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month from 10am-1pm

Supervised contact – Tuesdays from 9.30am-1.30pm

Please visit https://naccc.org.uk/  for our service costs.

New parents wishing to use the facilities must make an online application.  Please complete the referral form which can be found below. The Centre Co-ordinator will then make contact with you to discuss your request in more detail.

Referrer

How does the child(ren) feel about contact and what work has happened to prepare them?

About the Adult Requiring Contact

Name
Does this person have Parental Responsibility?
Does this person have any disabilities, health, or additional support needs?

Court Proceedings

Has the court ordered this contact?

Please Tick

Are there any court proceedings in the Family Court?

Please Tick

Is it possible that any of the parties might initiate new proceedings in the Family Court?

Please Tick

About the service required please read the following before completing the table below.

Supported Contact - Supported contact helps to keep children in touch with parents if trust has broken down or communication is difficult. Parents do not have to meet, and several families use the facilities at the same time. This is a form of contact where the level of risk is assessed to be lower than might be the case for supervised contact. It is also used to progress from supervised contact. In supported contact, direct observations are not made, and reports are not written. Staff or volunteers will be present to ensure the comfort of those engaging in the service. (copy)

Supervised Contact - Is there a potential risk of harm? The centre ensures the physical safety and emotional well-being of children in a one-to-one observed setting. This form of contact is provided where it is assessed that there might be a higher risk or greater complexity in a family’s circumstance. These sessions will be supervised by staff who are experienced in this role. Observations will be made, and reports will be written. It is generally expected that staff will remain within sight and sound of children at all times.

Please Tick

Why the Service is Needed & Risk Level

Nature of concern
Sexual Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Wider Family
Physical Abuse
Neglect
Convictions
Alcohol Misuse
Conflict
Abduction
Culture / Religion
Parenting Capacity
Learning Difficulties
Finance
Physical Impairments
Current Crime
Drug Misuse
Mental Health
Pets

Please sign below to confirm the following 1. Both parties are aware of and in agreement with the referral. 2. The information included in this referral is accurate and truthful.

Date / Time