national association of child contact centres (naccc)
The National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC) was founded in
Nottingham in 1991 with the establishment of the first Child Contact Centre. It
is a registered charity, and an umbrella organisation which sets the National
Standards to which Child Contact Centres must work. Child Contact Centres are
neutral places where children of separated families can enjoy contact with
non-resident parents and sometimes other family members, in a comfortable and
safe environment. Every year, this national organisation via its member centres,
support families and children in their local community. There are accredited
member centres throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel
Islands. They are operated by a variety of independent organisations that form
the membership of NACCC. NACCC is unique in the service it provides for local
Contact Centres. Many of our members, provide ‘Supported Contact’ They are
predominantly open on alternate Saturdays. These centres are only suitable for
families that are deemed to present minimal risk of violence or abuse. In some
cases, a higher level of supervision is needed because a child or parent is at
risk of harm. These are ‘Supervised Contact Centres‘ and are used in these
situations, but also can be used to reintroduce a child to a parent where there
has been a substantial gap in contact. NACCC has an accreditation process which
ensures members meet national standards. An assessor visits every three years to
ensure that the centres comply with DBS checks, health and safety legislation,
that HR practices are carried out appropriate, their financial situation, their
operating procedures are in accordance with the standards, and safeguarding
procedures are in place. The assessor then submits a report to NACCC. If the
centre does not comply with all areas, an action plan is issued which is time
limited. NACCC also delivers high quality training and support to ensure members
are well equipped and knowledgeable. In addition, there is a helpline which
centres, and parents can ring for advice and guidance, and a safeguarding
helpline in the event of an issue arising at the centre.
