Before family time can begin, a completed referral form must be submitted and the £25.00 non-refundable referral fee paid. The referral form provides us with the information we need to understand the circumstances of the family, identify any relevant risks and begin making appropriate arrangements.

We aim to process referrals within approximately two weeks from receipt of the completed referral form and referral fee. This is an approximate timescale and may be longer during particularly busy periods or where further information or clarification is required.

Please select the correct referral form

It is important that you complete the referral form that corresponds with the service you require:

Supervised Family Time – please complete the Supervised Family Time Referral Form and Risk Assessment.

Supported Family Time or Handover Services – please complete the Supported/Handover Referral Form.

Please take care to select the appropriate form. Completing the incorrect referral form may delay your referral and the offer of appointments, as we may need to request additional information or ask you to complete the correct documentation before we can proceed.

If you are unsure which service you require, please contact us before completing the referral form and we will be happy to advise you.

What happens next?

Following acceptance of the referral, preparatory sessions will be arranged with the relevant parties, separately where appropriate.

These sessions provide an opportunity to meet our team, discuss the arrangements in more detail, familiarise yourself with the centre and ask any questions you may have. We will also complete any necessary paperwork and discuss the expectations and arrangements for family time.

Children will also have an opportunity to visit the centre before their first family time session, helping them become familiar with the environment and staff. Where appropriate, a child's pre-visit may take place immediately before their first session to avoid an unnecessary wait between visiting the centre and family time beginning.

Our preparatory process is designed to ensure that everyone understands the arrangements and, most importantly, that the child's needs, welfare and safety remain at the centre of the service.