Supervised Contact Centres: What Are They and How Do You Use One?
Updated: Nov 1
Last updated: 1 November 2026 · Written by the family law paralegal team at Court Help Limited
In short: What is a contact centre? A child contact centre is a safe, neutral place where children can spend time with a parent or relative they don't live with. Supported centres offer low-level oversight in a shared room. Supervised contact is closely watched by trained staff where risks have been identified. You can refer yourself, go through a professional, or a court can order it.
Key facts about child contact centres
Topic | The position in England and Wales |
What it is | A safe, neutral place for children to see a parent or relative they don't live with |
Types of contact | Supported (low-level oversight) or supervised (closely observed by trained staff) |
Who can refer | Parents themselves, a solicitor, family mediator or Cafcass officer; a court can also order contact at a centre |
Court order needed? | No, but without an order both parents must agree |
Cost | Varies by centre; many supported centres are free or low cost, supervised contact usually costs more |
How long | Intended as a short-term stepping stone, not a permanent arrangement |
National body | National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC) |
What is a child contact centre and when might one be used?
A child contact centre is a safe and neutral place where children of separated parents can spend time with a parent, grandparent or other relative they no longer live with. Many centres are members of the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC). Some are run by charities and others as businesses.
Contact centres offer two main types of contact:
Supported contact: several families usually share a room, with staff and volunteers keeping a general eye on things. The parent is responsible for the child throughout. It's meant for families where there's no significant risk to the child.
Supervised contact: a trained worker closely watches and listens to the whole session, and may write notes or a report. It's used where risks to the child have been identified.
A contact centre may be used, or ordered by a court as part of a child arrangements order (Children Act 1989, s8), where for example:
contact is starting again after a long gap
the parents can't safely meet, so a neutral handover point is needed
there are allegations of domestic abuse, neglect, or physical, sexual or emotional abuse of a child
there are concerns about drug or alcohol misuse
the child needs time to rebuild a relationship with a parent
How does a child contact centre work?
A contact centre gives children and parents a safe, neutral setting away from conflict between the adults, so children can see family members they don't live with. Parents often don't have to meet each other. The centre sets the times, the room and the rules, and both families agree to them before contact starts.
What happens at a contact centre?
Before contact starts, the centre co-ordinator usually invites each family to a pre-visit. NACCC explains that the parent who doesn't live with the child is seen at a separate time from the child. At the pre-visit you can look around, meet the staff, ask questions and talk about your situation, so the centre can check its service is right for your family. You'll usually sign paperwork setting out what happens during family time.
If the centre accepts the referral, it will tell you in writing and agree a date and time for the first session. During a session the child and parent can talk, play games or do a safe activity together. In a supported centre there may be several families in the same room. In supervised contact you'll usually have a room to yourselves with a staff member present throughout.
Is a contact centre only for supervised contact?
No. Some centres offer supported contact, some supervised, and some both. Supported contact is less intensive: staff are around, but they don't watch and record every conversation. Check which type the centre offers, and which type any court order requires, before you apply.
What are the rules of a contact centre?
Each centre sets its own rules, and you'll be asked to agree to them at the pre-visit, so always check with your local centre. Typical rules include:
only the people agreed in advance may attend
no smoking or vaping, and nobody may attend under the influence of alcohol or drugs
aggressive, threatening or abusive behaviour towards anyone, including staff, isn't tolerated and can lead to your place being withdrawn
parents stay responsible for their children throughout supported contact
parents may be asked to arrive and leave at different times so they don't meet
restrictions on using phones, taking photos or filming
no passing messages or notes to the other parent through the child
missed sessions without notice may mean the slot is offered to another family
Do both parents have to pay for a contact centre?
It depends on the centre and on what the parents agree. There's no fixed rule about who pays. Often one parent pays, but you can agree to share the cost. If a referral is made through a court case and you can't agree, raise the question of costs with the court when contact arrangements are being decided.
Can the court make a parent pay for a contact centre?
There's no fixed rule. When parents can't agree, the court can decide how contact takes place as part of a child arrangements order, and it can deal with practical arrangements at the same time. If cost is a problem, tell the court early, because a contact arrangement that one parent can't afford is unlikely to work.
How much does a contact centre cost? Is supervised contact more expensive?
NACCC says the cost of child contact can vary significantly, and that some centres are charities while others are run as businesses. Many supported centres charge little or nothing. Supervised contact usually costs more than supported contact, because a trained worker has to watch the whole session and may write a report. Always ask the centre for its current prices before you're referred.
How long will I have to see my child in a contact centre?
It depends on the court order or the recommendation in your case, for example from Cafcass. NACCC describes centres as a short-term stepping stone, with the aim of moving on to contact outside the centre when it's safe. Some families move on within a few months, others need longer. Every case is different.
Do I have to agree to use a contact centre?
If there's no court order requiring contact at a centre, a referral will only work if both parents agree. Neither the centre nor NACCC can force any adult to attend. If a court order says contact must take place at a centre, both parents are expected to follow it.
What is self-referral to a contact centre?
A self-referral is when parents apply directly to the centre themselves, rather than through a professional. NACCC says you can make the referral yourself or through a solicitor, family mediator or Cafcass officer. Because both parents normally need to agree, self-referral needs some communication between you. If you're not talking, a family mediator can help.
Can you self-refer to a contact centre?
Yes. Many centres have a referral form on their website, and NACCC suggests phoning the centre before filling in any paperwork. The staff can tell you whether they're right for your family and, if not, can usually point you to a better option.
Can you use a contact centre without a court order?
Yes. You don't need a court order to use a child contact centre. You can self-refer, or go through a solicitor, mediator or Cafcass officer. The main condition is that both parents agree, because without an order a centre can't make anyone attend.
What if I can't find a suitable contact centre?
Finding the right centre can be hard. Things to think about include:
the distance from the child's home
whether the centre offers supported or supervised contact
whether a supervisor is available on the days you need
whether the centre can provide notes or a report, if the court needs one
the other parent's views
what any court order says
If no suitable centre is available, talk to the other parent or a mediator about alternatives, such as an independent supervisor or a trusted family member. If there's a court order, you may need to ask the court to vary it, with evidence of the centres you've tried.
How do you arrange contact through a contact centre?
The process depends on your situation. We have a detailed step-by-step guide on arranging contact through a contact centre, but here's a brief overview:
Work out which type of contact you need: supported or supervised.
Find your local centre, for example through NACCC.
Make the referral, yourself or through a professional.
The centre co-ordinator decides whether they can offer you a place.
Go to your pre-visit meeting.
The centre confirms in writing and agrees a start date.
How we can help
Court Help Limited is a family law paralegal firm in England and Wales. We're not solicitors and we don't represent clients in court. We help parents and grandparents with the paperwork and preparation, such as C100 applications for child arrangements orders, position statements and witness statements, including where contact at a centre is proposed.
You can read what our clients say in our Google reviews. To talk to us, email help@incourt.co.uk or use the contact form.
Related articles
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between supported and supervised contact?
Supported contact takes place in a shared room with staff keeping a general eye on families. Supervised contact is closely watched by a trained worker throughout, and is used where risks to the child have been identified.
Do parents have to see each other at a contact centre?
You don't usually have to. Ask the centre whether it can arrange separate arrival and leaving times. NACCC says the pre-visit for the parent who doesn't live with the child is held at a separate time from the child's.
Can a contact centre write a report for court?
Supervised contact services may make notes or write reports. Supported centres generally don't observe sessions closely, so check with the centre what it can provide before the court relies on it.
How do I apply to court if the other parent won't agree to a contact centre?
You can apply for a child arrangements order (Children Act 1989, s8) on form C100. The court fee is £270 (GOV.UK, checked 1 November 2026), and you'll usually need to attend a MIAM first unless an exemption applies.
Do you have to pay for a contact centre?
Often, yes, but it depends on the centre. The National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC) says the cost can vary significantly, depending on how a centre is funded, the services it offers, its staff's expertise and its running costs. Some centres are charities and others are businesses. Cafcass or social services sometimes cover the cost; otherwise the family may have to pay. NACCC doesn't set or handle charges, so ask your local centre for its current prices and whether it can help if money is tight.
This article is general information about the law in England and Wales. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts, and court fees and procedures change, so check GOV.UK for the latest position. Court Help Limited is a family law paralegal firm, not a firm of solicitors, and does not represent clients in court.
Comments