What is a Family Contact Centre?
A Family Contact Centre is a safe, friendly and neutral place where children of separated families can spend time with one or both parents. It is a child-centered environment that puts the needs of the children first.
Where is the Centre?
The Centre is at Enfield Baptist Church in Cecil Road, Enfield.
When is it open?
The Centre is open each Saturday afternoon from 2pm-4.30pm.
What is it like?
The most important people in the Contact Centre are the children. We aim to create a warm, sociable atmosphere where you and your children can relax and enjoy yourselves. The Centre has a hall where there are toys, games and books. There is also a small outside play area that is open in good weather. Tea, coffee and other refreshments are available for both parents and children.
How is contact arranged?
A CAFCASS officer, solicitor, social worker or family mediator will need to obtain and fill in a referral form for you.
We will arrange for you to visit the Centre before your first contact session. This will help you to get to know the Centre and some of the volunteers and make your first visit easier.
How often can I come?
This will be arranged before you come. Contact is usually fortnightly.
Do I have to meet my former partner?
Not if you don’t want to. Please let us know in advance and we can arrange to keep you apart.
What happens if I cannot come one Saturday?
It is essential that you let both your former partner and the co-ordinator know in advance. The Centre mobile number is 07983 497767
If you miss your contact appointment more than 3 times running without explanation, you will be taken off our list and your place given to another family.
Does the Centre make any reports about us?
The Contact Centre is independent of the courts, social services or any statutory agency. We do not make any verbal or written reports about visits apart from dates and times of attendance. The only exception to this is if we believe that a child, volunteer or Centre user is at risk of harm.
Is there anything that I need to do?
As this is a special time for children to spend with the parent they no longer live with, we ask that new partners do not attend the Centre. Also, please keep disagreements out of the Centre. Remember that your child is hurting too. Make this a happy time for them.
What are the rules?
The Centre is used by many families at the same time. To enable everyone to be as relaxed as possible, we ask all adults to remember the following:
- Children need a familiar face, so a parent must be present at all times. Parents are always responsible for the safety and supervision of their children.
- It is essential that we are able to contact you. Please ensure that we have your current mobile phone number.
- A child can be taken out of the Centre during a visit only if it is stated on the referral form or with the written consent of both parents.
- Relatives or friends can only attend if they are named on the referral form.
- Anyone under the influence of, or carrying alcohol or drugs will not be allowed into the Centre. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the building.
- Photography and video recording are only allowed after discussion and agreement with the Centre volunteers.
- Mobile phones should be switched off during contact.
- We ask you not to bring any food into the Centre.
- Abusive and aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated and those involved will be asked to leave.
Enfield Baptist Church is in Cecil Road at the back of the Palace Gardens shopping centre in Enfield Town.
By rail: Enfield Town and Enfield Chase stations are within easy walking distance.
By bus: The following buses stop in Cecil Road and Church Street: W9 – 121 – 191 – 192 – 231 – 303 – 313 – 317 – 329 – 377 (Monday- Saturday).
Enfield Contact Centre is sponsored by the Churches of Enfield Town working together as the L.E.P. (Local Ecumenical Partnership) charity number 289340.
The Centre is an accredited member of the National Association of Child Contact Centres.
