About National Child Contact Centre Week
What is a child contact centre?
NACCC accredited child contact centres – also known as family time centres – provide neutral, safe, and child-friendly spaces where children and young people from separated families can spend quality family time with a non-resident parent and other family members they might otherwise lose contact with.
Delivering a range of support services that focus on the emotional and physical wellbeing of children and young people, NACCC accredited child contact centres help families in their local community maintain or rebuild vital relationships following separation.
The short, fun video below – created by Buzz an accredited centre based in Sheffield – offers a glimpse into what a child contact centre looks like, highlights some of the services provided, and gently debunks some common misconceptions about what family time in a centre really involves.
About NACCC
Family breakdown can profoundly impact children and young people, often bringing trauma, heartbreak, and a deep sense of loss. During these challenging times, their emotional and developmental needs can often be overlooked. In the UK, over a million children lose contact with one of their parents following separation.
The National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC) is the only UK charity dedicated to solving this problem.
A registered charity and an umbrella organisation, NACCC oversees approximately 300 child contact centres across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands.
Accredited centres are staffed by a dedicated team of 3,000 trained volunteers and co-ordinators who provide welcoming, well-equipped and neutral environments where families can reconnect and enjoy family time sessions in a safe and supportive setting.
Every year, NACCC accredited child contact centres facilitate essential family connections for over 21,000 children and young people, helping them maintain essential family bonds. By upholding its standards, NACCC plays a pivotal role in safeguarding children and young people and supporting their emotional needs during times of family transition.
Delivering ongoing support and training to its members, NACCC has established a rigorous accreditation process which each child contact centre must meet, setting out National standards and sharing best practice to ensure the safety and wellbeing of families who rely on these services.