What is Excel Child Contact Centre?
Excel Child Contact Centre is a safe, friendly and neutral place where children can spend time with one or both parents, and sometimes other family members. We hope to provide a child centred environment that puts the needs of the children first.
What is it like?
The most important people at Excel’s Child Contact Centre are the children. We want to create a warm, sociable atmosphere where you and your children can relax and enjoy yourselves. The Centre has a variety of games, toys and books for children of all ages.
Tea, coffee and other refreshments are provided. You may want to bring along some favourite toys, special drinks, or other things you might need such as nappies.
The Child Contact Centre is run by fully trained volunteers or staff. They are impartial, so they do not take sides. They work to a strict confidentiality policy and have all been through an enhanced DBS check.
How can visits be arranged?
Visits are by referral. The referral can be made by a social worker, solicitor, family mediator, CAFCASS officer (formerly known as a court family welfare officer), or by a court order.
The person making the referral fills out a referral form and sends it to the Centre Co-ordinator.
It is advisable for parents and children to come and see the Centre before your first arranged visit. This will help you get to know the Centre and the staff, and make the first visit easier.