Supported Contact is a low-level supervision of a child and their absent family. It is facilitated by safe and qualified adults and is suitable for families where there is no identified risk.
 

Whilst parents are responsible for their children during this contact, and there is no significant observation, monitoring or evaluation, our staff are always available to offer help, support and assistance.

 

Supported contact can take place at The Starting Point Centre venue or can be supported by us in the community.

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Supervised Contact is a highly supervised contact between a child and an absent parent, where there has been an assessed, or actual risk, identified. Supervised contact, first and foremost, ensures the physical and emotional safety of a child, but also aims to promote a healthy on-going relationship.

Supervised contact is rigorously monitored and recorded to ensure that children are safe and protected and evaluated to inform care planning and decision making.

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Letterbox support (also known as indirect contact) is when a checking and sending service can be created for non-resident parents/carers/relatives to send letter, parcels and cards to one another.

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Community/escorted Contact is either supported or supervised within the community. Here, parents can spend meaningful quality time with their child at community venues, such as the cinema, park, café or other child friendly venues.

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Handover Services are provided in recognition that emotions can run high for parents that are separated, and that children can become emotionally compromised by upset and acrimony. For this reason, we offer a service designed to prevent the need for separated parents to meet during contact.

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Transportation Service is unique to The Starting Point Centre. We have access to fully insured, risk assessed vehicles and drivers who are able to collect children from their respective parents, guardians or foster carers.

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The Marquee Zone - Outdoor Playground 
 

This area is ideal for larger family contact! It has direct and exclusive access to an outdoor play area perfect for football & basketball. The marquee also has heating and lighting.
 

This marquee is also available to professionals and can accommodate up to 20 adults.  Catering for events is available on request.

The Whacky Warehouse
 

Children will love our Whacky area. Situated in the heart of the building, the Whacky contains soft play, games and a mini football area.

This area is normally just for families having supported contact

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*Currently there is only access to the bottom area due to safety & COVID regulations

The Café

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This area is for supported contact but we will be offering Stay and Play sessions in due course.

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There is a seating area next to the kitchen and Whacky which acts as a café or creative area.

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* The kitchen has a 5-star food hygiene level in place. It is also available on request for parenting assessments.

The Home Hub
 

Our Home Hub is a large comfortable room equipped with a library, sofa area, television, Now TV and a play station.

 

It lends perfectly for families with older children or teenagers.

The Portacabin and Play Garden

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The portacabin has a large indoor space with its own rubberised covered garden, sail canopies, planting area, play area and bird feeders.

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It has its own entrance and is fully secure. It is ideal for supervised contact, free flow supported contact or for professional events.