Contact with Family and Friends

It is important that children know their history, and there are different ways for them to learn and stay in contact with all their family.

You will play an important role in sharing the facts about their early life when it is appropriate. You may need to provide photos or help them write letters. Some children will be able to see their parents face to face on a regular basis, which you will facilitate and provide support for them. You may wish to arrange this meeting in a neutral environment that is safe and comfortable. The National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC) is an organisation that have rooms around England where children and separated families can enjoy contact, some with an independent contact worker. You can speak with your SG support team or you call the NACCC directly:

NACCC, Second Floor Offices, Friary Chambers, 26-34 Friar Lane, Nottingham, NG1 6DQ

0845 4500 280 / 0115 948 4557 (Mon to Fri 9am-1pm)

The most important person in any contact arrangement is the child. You can keep contact arrangements under review as the needs of the child may change over time. Any review will need to make sure that contact continues to be beneficial to your child. 

Guardians can sometimes find contact stressful, and it is also important that your voice is heard. Please contact your special guardianship support team if you need to talk about your feelings around contact and if you feel you need mediation - which is an independent person who is skilled at assisting with this.