RI Contact Centre

Welcome to Raedan Institute Contact Centre

Click here for access to Childrens Information Document

“Every Child Deserves Both Parents in Their Life”

According to recent research by the Office for National Statistics (2023), approximately 1.3 million children in the UK have lost contact with a parent following separation or divorce. The impact of this loss can be profound – studies by the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) show that children who lose contact with a parent are significantly more likely to experience:

– Increased anxiety and depression
– Lower academic achievement
– Higher rates of behavioural challenges
– Difficulties forming relationships in later life
– Reduced emotional resilience

As Elizabeth Edwards, renowned family advocate, powerfully stated: “Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.”

We are proud to be an accredited member of the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC) – the only UK charity dedicated to ensuring children maintain relationships with both parents and extended family members when separation occurs. As Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division, emphasized in 2022: “Contact centres provide an essential service in maintaining the vital link between children and their separated parents.”

Our Purpose
The Raedan Institute Contact Centre is an independent, volunteer-led charitable organization committed to providing a safe, neutral, and welcoming environment where children can maintain or rebuild relationships with non-resident parents and family members. Operating under strict NACCC guidelines and safeguarding protocols, we offer supported contact services for families where no significant safeguarding concerns have been identified.

Professional Referrals
We accept referrals through recognized pathways including:
– Family law solicitors
– Cafcass officers
– Accredited family mediators
– Social workers
– Family court orders

As noted by Sir James Munby, former President of the Family Division: “The work of contact centres represents one of the most important contributions to the welfare of children caught in the midst of family breakdown.”

Did you know? The NACCC network includes:
– Over 350 accredited centres across the UK
– Nearly 4,000 trained volunteers
– Supports approximately 17,000 children annually
(NACCC Annual Report 2023)

Our Address Raedan Institute, 2 Overton Rd, Leicester, LE5 0JA

List of Policies:

To Register or Contact us for further information: Click Here

Raedan Institute Contact Centre – Terms of Service and Safety Guidelines

At Raedan Institute, we prioritize the safety, well-being, and positive experiences of all children in our care. To maintain our high standards and NACCC accreditation, we require all service users to adhere to the following guidelines:

**Parental Responsibilities**

1. Child Supervision
– Primary responsibility for children remains with parents at all times
– One parent must remain on the premises throughout the contact session
– Parents must actively supervise children using play equipment and common areas
– Any accidents or incidents must be reported immediately to our volunteer staff

2. Progression of Contact
– Supported contact at Raedan Institute is designed as a transitional arrangement
– We encourage families to work towards independent contact arrangements
– Our team can provide guidance on progressing to unsupervised contact
– Typical supported contact duration is 3-6 months, subject to regular review

3. Session Timing and Attendance
– Sessions run between [specific times]
– Late arrivals may result in shortened sessions
– All sessions conclude promptly at 3:00 PM
– Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time
– Consistent attendance is expected and supports positive outcomes

4. Code of Conduct
The following behaviours will result in an immediate review of service provision:
– Violence or threatening behaviour
– Inappropriate language
– Harassment or intimidation
– Substance misuse
– Breach of safeguarding protocols

5. Health and Safety
– Smoking/vaping prohibited within Centre grounds and car park
– No alcohol or illegal substances permitted
– Medication must be declared to staff
– First aid facilities available on-site

6. Toy and Activity Guidelines
To ensure the safety of all children, particularly those under 5:
– No projectile toys (balls, frisbees, etc.)
– No toy weapons
– No hard or sharp-edged toys
– Appropriate toys are provided by the Centre

7. Communication Protocol
– No messages to be passed between parents via children
– No exchange of gifts or money without prior arrangement
– All communication must go through Centre staff

Guidelines for Visiting Parents

1. Attendance
– Only pre-approved individuals listed on the referral form may attend
– Additional visitors require advance written authorization
– Identification may be required at each visit

2. Centre Access
– Access restricted to designated contact areas
– Must remain within supervised areas
– Toilet facilities available [location details]

3. Photography Policy
– Photography of own children permitted
– No photographs of other families or staff
– Strict prohibition on social media posting
– Written confirmation of policy compliance required

Guidelines for Resident Parents

1. During Contact
– Option to remain in the designated waiting area
– May leave premises but must provide a contact number
– Must return 10 minutes before the session ends
– Emergency contact details must be current

Data Protection and Privacy

Raedan Institute complies with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018:
– Information collected solely for service provision
– Data shared only within authorized volunteer team
– Anonymous statistical reporting
– Full privacy policy available on request
– Annual data audit conducted
– Right to access personal data upon written request

Declaration

All service users must sign and date these terms, confirming:
– Understanding of all requirements
– Agreement to comply with guidelines
– Acknowledgment of consequences for breaches
– Consent for data processing

We reserve the right to modify these terms with appropriate notice. Current version: 12/11/2024

Referrals:

Understanding Our Contact Services

At Raedan Institute, we recognize that maintaining parent-child relationships after separation requires different levels of support depending on family circumstances. We offer two distinct services:

Supported Contact Services at Raedan Institute

Supported contact provides a safe, welcoming environment where children can spend quality time with their non-resident parents or family members. This service is appropriate when:
– No significant safeguarding concerns exist
– Parents can manage their own interactions
– Minimal intervention is required
– Families are working towards independent arrangements

Key Features of Our Supported Contact Service:

1. Professional Environment
– Purpose-designed facilities with age-appropriate resources
– Multiple family spaces allowing natural interaction
– Comfortable, neutral setting promoting positive experiences
– Trained volunteers available for assistance

2. Impartial Support
– Non-judgmental environment
– Equal respect for all parties
– No taking sides or offering opinions
– Focus on child’s wellbeing

3. Light-Touch Supervision
– Discrete presence of trained volunteers
– No close monitoring of conversations
– Support available when needed
– Emphasis on natural family interaction

4. Reporting and Confidentiality
– Basic attendance records maintained
– No detailed observations shared
– Confidentiality respected
– Exception: safeguarding concerns requiring disclosure

5. Progressive Approach
– Regular reviews of arrangements
– Support for transition to independent contact
– Guidance on alternative venues
– Typical timeframe: 3-6 months

To Register or Contact us for further information: Click Here

Supervised Contact Services
(Available through referral to specialist partners)

While Raedan Institute specialises in supported contact, we maintain strong partnerships with supervised contact providers for families requiring higher levels of supervision. We can assist with appropriate referrals when:
– Court-ordered supervision is required
– Safeguarding concerns exist
– Professional observation is needed
– Risk assessments indicate higher support needs

Supervised Contact Features:

1. Professional Oversight
– Qualified supervisors present
– Constant line of sight maintained
– Detailed observation and recording
– Professional risk management

2. Enhanced Safety Measures
– Private, secure facilities
– Structured environment
– Emergency procedures in place
– Controlled entry/exit

3. Comprehensive Documentation
– Detailed session records
– Regular progress reports
– Court-ready documentation
– Professional assessments

4. Tailored Support
– Individual supervision plans
– Regular risk assessments
– Progression monitoring
– Clear objectives and outcomes

5. Professional Framework
– Multi-agency collaboration
– Regular case reviews
– Clear progression pathways

As noted by Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division (2023): “The distinction between supported and supervised contact is crucial – each serving different needs but both vital in maintaining safe child-parent relationships.”

Progression Pathways

Contact arrangements are regularly reviewed and can evolve:
– From supervised to supported contact
– From supported to independent contact
– From centre-based to community venues
– From shorter to longer sessions

According to NACCC statistics (2023), approximately 60% of families using supported contact progress to independent arrangements within 6 months.

To Register or Contact us for further information: Click Here

Support Services & Resources Directory
Last Updated: November 2024

Emergency Contacts
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999
– NSPCC 24/7 Helpline: 0808 800 5000
– Childline: 0800 1111
– Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Primary Support Organisations

National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC)
– Website: [www.naccc.org.uk](https://www.naccc.org.uk)
– Phone: 0115 948 4557
– Email: contact@naccc.org.uk
– Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
– Key Resources:
– [Find a Contact Centre](https://naccc.org.uk/find-a-centre/)
– [Information for Children](https://naccc.org.uk/children/)
– [Parents’ Guide](https://naccc.org.uk/parents/)
– [Professional Referrals](https://naccc.org.uk/professionals/)

CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service)
– Website: [www.cafcass.gov.uk](https://www.cafcass.gov.uk)
– Phone: 0300 456 4000
– Email: enquiries@cafcass.gov.uk
– Services:
– [Separated Parents Information Programme (SPIP)](https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/grown-ups/parents-and-carers/divorce-and-separation/separated-parents-information-programme/)
– [Family Justice Young People’s Board](https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/family-justice-young-peoples-board/)
– [Resources for Children](https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/children/)

Mediation Services

National Family Mediation (NFM)
– Website: [www.nfm.org.uk](https://www.nfm.org.uk)
– Helpline: 0300 4000 636
– Email: general@nfm.org.uk
– Services:
– [Online Mediation](https://www.nfm.org.uk/online-mediation/)
– [MIAM Booking](https://www.nfm.org.uk/miam-booking/)
– [Local Services Directory](https://www.nfm.org.uk/local-service-finder/)

Support Groups & Charities

Gingerbread (Single Parents)

– Website: [www.gingerbread.org.uk](https://www.gingerbread.org.uk)
– Helpline: 0808 802 0925
– Hours: Mon: 10am-6pm, Tues/Thurs/Fri: 10am-4pm, Wed: 10am-1pm & 5pm-7pm
– Services:
– [Single Parent Helpline](https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/what-we-do/contact-us/helpline/)
– [Online Forum](https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/community/)
– [Local Groups](https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/what-we-do/groups/)

Families Need Fathers
– Website: [www.fnf.org.uk](https://www.fnf.org.uk)
– Helpline: 0300 0300 363
– Email: support@fnf.org.uk
– Services:
– [Local Branch Meetings](https://fnf.org.uk/local-branches/)
– [Court Support](https://fnf.org.uk/help-and-support/court-support/)
– [Online Resources](https://fnf.org.uk/guides-and-factsheets/)

MATCH (Mothers Apart from Their Children)
– Website: [www.matchmothers.org](https://www.matchmothers.org)
– Helpline: 0800 689 4104
– Email: info@matchmothers.org
– Services:
– Confidential Support
– Peer Support Network
– Online Resources

Legal Support & Advice

Resolution (Family Law)
– Website: [www.resolution.org.uk](https://www.resolution.org.uk)
– Phone: 01689 820272
– Email: info@resolution.org.uk
– Resources:
– [Find a Family Law Professional](https://resolution.org.uk/find-a-law-professional/)
– [Parenting Through Separation Guide](https://resolution.org.uk/looking-for-help/parenting-through-separation/)
– [Mediation Information](https://resolution.org.uk/looking-for-help/mediation/)

Children’s Legal Centre
– Website: [www.childrenslegalcentre.com](https://www.childrenslegalcentre.com)
– Child Law Advice Line: 0300 330 5480
– Education Law Advice Line: 0300 330 5485
– Resources:
– [Legal Fact Sheets](https://www.childrenslegalcentre.com/resources/)
– [Online Training](https://www.childrenslegalcentre.com/training/)

Counselling & Emotional Support

Relate
– Website: [www.relate.org.uk](https://www.relate.org.uk)
– Phone: 0300 003 0396
– Live Chat: Available on website
– Services:
– [Relationship Counselling](https://www.relate.org.uk/relationship-counselling)
– [Family Counselling](https://www.relate.org.uk/family-counselling)
– [Children and Young People’s Counselling](https://www.relate.org.uk/children-and-young-peoples-counselling)

Local Support Services

Leicester & Rutland Safeguarding Children Partnership
– Website: [lrsb.org.uk](https://www.lrsb.org.uk)
– Emergency: 999
– Non-Emergency:
– Leicester City: 0116 454 1004
– Leicestershire: 0116 305 0005
– Rutland: 01572 758 407
– Out of Hours:** 0116 454 1004

Additional Resources

AdviceNow
– Website: [www.advicenow.org.uk](https://www.advicenow.org.uk)
– Key Resources:
– [Family Law Guides](https://www.advicenow.org.uk/family)
– [Court Process Information](https://www.advicenow.org.uk/going-court)
– [Self-Help Packs](https://www.advicenow.org.uk/self-help-packs)

Important Notes:
1. All contact information is subject to change. Please verify the current details on the organisation’s websites.
2. For immediate safeguarding concerns, always call 999.
3. Most helplines are confidential and free from UK landlines.
4. Many organisations offer webchat services during business hours.
5. Local services may have different operating hours during holidays.

This resource list is maintained by the Raedan Institute Contact Centre. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us at info@raedan-institute.co.uk

Or to register for further information: Click Here

Click here for access to Childrens Information Document