Contact centres — safe handovers and supervised contact

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-29

What a contact centre is

A Child Contact Centre is a neutral, safe venue where children can spend time with a parent they don't live with — either supervised (a worker watches the whole visit) or supported (the centre is staffed but the parent interacts directly).

When they're used

Where there are domestic abuse or safety concerns
Where the child hasn't seen the parent for a long time and needs a gradual reintroduction
Where the court orders contact at a contact centre as an interim step
Where handover conflict is so high that a neutral venue prevents incidents

Types of contact

| Type | What happens | Who watches | |------|-------------|-------------| | Supported | Parent and child in a shared space with other families | Centre staff on-site but not supervising one-to-one | | Supervised | Parent and child in a dedicated room, observed | A worker observes the entire contact and can report to the court | | Indirect | Letters, cards, gifts — no face-to-face | Managed by the centre or via a solicitor |

How to find one

NACCC (National Association of Child Contact Centres): https://www.naccc.org.uk — searchable directory of accredited centres
Your Cafcass Family Court Adviser can refer you
Some centres are self-referral; others require a court order or CAFCASS referral

Costs

Supported contact centres are often free or ask for a small donation
Supervised contact centres charge (typically £30–£60 per session) — some offer subsidised places

How to move from supervised to direct contact

The goal is always to graduate from supervised to unsupported contact where safe. The court will want to see:

1. Consistent attendance at the contact centre 2. Positive interactions with the child 3. Completion of any required programmes (SPIP, DVPP) 4. The child's response (via Cafcass)

Gradual steps: supervised → supported → community contact → overnight → normal arrangements.

Safety

If you're a survivor: the centre should have staggered arrival/departure times so you don't meet the other parent
Ask about separate entrances
The centre's report can go to the court — it's evidence of safe contact

Official links

NACCC (find a centre): https://www.naccc.org.uk
https://www.gov.uk/looking-after-children-divorce

This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with NACCC or gov.uk.

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.