Supervised Family Time

Our Staff

The Supervised Contact Service (Supervised Family Time) is managed by a qualified social worker, registered with Social Work England. The contact team are all experienced child care professionals with nationally recognized qualifications. All our staff have enhanced DBS checks and undertake regular and comprehensive training. Children First Derby has achieved Enhanced Accreditation by the National Association of Child Contact Centres. Our staff are committed to promoting a positive supervised family time experience and believe that safe and meaningful family time is essential for children to develop emotionally, physically and socially. It is important in helping children develop their sense of identity and understand their lives. 

The Facilities at the Centre

We focus on delivering a child centred service – providing a safe place and welcoming environment for children in the care of the local authority to meet their parents or other family members. Our centre is well equipped with a range of toys and equipment which reflect the diverse needs of all the children who attend. The family time rooms provide space and equipment suitable for children of all ages and abilities.

Activities at the Centre

We have a large, fully equipped kitchen area in which families can cook, bake, or prepare meals of their choice. The centre has a large enclosed, safe garden with a range of outdoor furniture and equipment – including basketball, football goals and a newly installed summer house.

How do you access our Supervised Family Time Services (Contact)

The child’s social worker makes the initial child-referral for Children First Derby. The referral contains information on the frequency, duration and location of the family time requirements. This information is part of the child’s placement plan and is decided by the family court.

Other information covered in the referral includes;

• The named family members that may attend the supervised family time and the relationship to the child
• A comprehensive risk assessment, highlighting any safeguarding concerns and potential impact on the child 
• The location of the contact (may be within a 50 mile radius of Derby City Centre), depending where the child lives
• Any medical or dietary requirements / allergies
• Any additional needs or requirements relating to illness, impairment or disability
• The level of supervision needed
• Any specific religious or cultural needs

After an initial meeting with the child’s social worker, the team will then arrange the family time dates, in line with the child’s placement plan, stated in the referral.

Written confirmation of the Family Time dates is then sent to all family members, carers and social workers. 

Family members and children will then be invited to visit our centre and will be able to meet the Supervised Contact team and view the facilities/ equipment available at our centre.

At the first supervised session, adult family members will be asked to read and sign a family time agreement. It is important that everyone reaches an agreement to promote the best interests of the child. 

Following each supervised family time, a report will be written by the contact worker and sent to the child’s Social Worker. Family members are entitled to a copy and may add their own comments.

Please note that Children First Derby only currently supervise family time for children and young people who are in the care of Derby City Council. We are not able to accept private law referrals from individuals, Cafcass or solicitors.