Explore Frequently Asked Questions
The following frequently asked questions and answers will provide helpful information for parents wishing to attend the Centre.
If you would like any further information, please call 07826 745627 (leave your contact details and a detailed message ) or e-mail us at enquiries@wokingfamilycontactcentre.org.uk
Parents may apply directly as “self referrals” or through Solicitors, Probation Officers, Social Workers or Court Welfare Workers, sometimes in response to arrangements directed by a Family Court.
The referral application forms can be downloaded from the Referrals page of our website or obtained directly from our coordinator. After completed forms have been received and reviewed both parents will be invited to a separate “pre-vist meeting” to learn how the Centre operates and to go through the detail of the application. Each parent should bring photographic evidence of identity such as a passport or a driving licence or equivalent. We will make a copy of the photograph for our own records.
After both pre-visit meetings have taken place, we will write to each parent to advise them whether we have a suitable vacancy for contact. We will also advise when contact may begin. It is now our practice to determine at this stage, how long contact may continue and when a meeting will be set up to review progress. Sometimes the Court will determine the permitted number of contact sessions. In all other cases, we will require a progress review no later than three months from the date of first contact.
Where there is no practical alternative, the Centre provides a neutral and safe venue for contact between a child and a visiting parent. The Centre has a large sitting/play area. View our Gallery to familiarise yourself with the setting.
Woking Family Contact Centre is held at Woking United Reformed Church, White Rose Lane. The Church is located 5 minutes walk from Woking Railway and Bus Station. The town centre is a 7 minute walk away.
The Church has a car park which can be used by both resident and visiting families. Parking may at times be limited.
More information and a map showing where to find us is shown on the Contact page of our website.
The Centre is open on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays (but not the 5th Saturday) in the month.
The dates for the year are listed on the homepage of our website.
The Centre is an unregistered charity. Although there is no charge for using the Centre, we would appreciate a small contribution towards our running costs. The suggested donation is £20 per family, ideally at the first session.
A child may not be taken out unless both parents have previously agreed to this in writing OR if the Court has directed the arrangement.
No. There are separate clearly marked entrances for resident parents (with children) and non-resident parents. We have a separate waiting area for resident parents.
In general, we have found that it is in the best interests of the child if your new partner does not accompany you to the Centre. Exceptions may be made at the Coordinator’s discretion, but then only if both parents have previously agreed to this in writing.
If you are unable to attend, please let the Coordinator know by telephoning or 07826 745627 between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm during the week. Text messages are not forwarded to the session leaders so do not send a text to this number. Making that call is very important. Due to the heavy demand for places, contact will be terminated in cases where parents do not attend without notice on two occasions, whether or not consecutive.
We would prefer not to have rules. However, to ensure the safety and welfare of the children, as well as a quiet and welcoming setting, parents are asked to respect the following common sense rules when attending the Centre:
- Parents are responsible for the safety and supervision of their children.
- A child may not be left at the Centre without a parent in attendance.
- Parents leaving children at the Centre must provide a contact telephone number.
- Relatives and friends are welcome, but only if details are entered on the referral form or both parents have agreed in writing. No more than three guests per family are allowed to attend a session.
- Smoking (or vaping) is not permitted anywhere in the building or outside in the car park.
- Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be admitted.
- Photographs may not be taken unless the resident parent has given written permission. If granted, care must be taken to ensure that no other children are included in the photo.
- Video calls or video recordings are not permitted because of the risk that children from other families could be included in the footage.
- Small gifts as presents (up to about £50 per child) can be brought into the Centre by a resident parent. More expensive gifts are discouraged, but if they are to be given, both parents must agree to give and receive before the contact session.
- Parents and children must stay in those areas of the building used for contact sessions.
- Parents are expected to avoid arguments, abusive language and offensive remarks, whether to other parents or children. We also expect you to treat our volunteers politely and with respect, and not subject them to any form of abuse. Failure to cooperate in ensuring a quiet and unthreatening atmosphere will result in contact being discontinued.
- Visitors (e.g. social workers) must have an agreement in place with our Centre and both parents prior to attending. Upon arrival, visitors are required to present valid proof of identity.
Woking Family Contact Centre provides ‘supported contact’ for families. This means that we help children to keep in touch with parents (or another family member) if trust has broken down or if communication is difficult. Parents do not have to meet, and several families use our facilities at the same time.
Woking Family Contact Centre is suitable for families where it is clear that safe and beneficial contact for the child can take place. It is run entirely by well-trained volunteers who give up their time and experience to help you to see your child: they are not social workers. As a supported Centre, we do not supervise the families and we do not write reports. We are happy to provide a hand-over service provided that this is agreed by both parents.
For any families where there is a significant risk of harm to children or adults, for example following domestic abuse, supervised contact is likely to be needed. If you require supervised contact, we do not provide this service. Please visit https://naccc.org.uk/find-a-centre/ to find the correct service to meet your needs.
