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Child Arrangement Resolutions social work service
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Frequently Asked Questions

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No. Child Arrangement Resolutions (CAR) offers a community-based contact service, which can include a client’s home. We do not operate from a contact centre.

Contact centres offer great facilities for the work that they do. However, there are many instances where contact can take place in a more ambulant setting, such as in the community. Children can undertake activities like bowling, a trip to the park, meals out, or even visit the non-resident parent’s home. Community contact offers a natural setting and facilitates a greater range of shared experiences with the parent.

Formally supervised contact centres can be expensive and there is usually a waiting list.

Mainly around Greater Manchester and Cheshire, but we can operate outside these areas, in line with our resources.

Our close-knit team is comprised of ISW’s with expertise in private and public law. Staff in the wider team come from a variety of backgrounds such as teaching, probation, mental health services and the police.

All staff are DBS checked and indemnity insured.

During supervised contact the non-resident parent takes responsibility for the child, including attending to personal care if necessary. Our supervisors are present to observe, monitor and assess the quality of contact within the context of the chosen setting. Supervisors produce written reports and summaries of sessions to inform planning and provide evidence for court.

Yes, but CAR are unable to offer formal legal advice as this is the remit of a family lawyer. We will provide you with support and information based on our social work expertise and experience in child arrangement issues.

No. We offer support to all non-resident parents and care-givers and can assist grandparents and significant others seeking contact.

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You may seek to settle child arrangements via mediation or court. In the meantime, our services will can facilitate regular contact, allowing you to maintain a bond with your child, whilst offering reassurance to the resident parent.

CAR is a child-focused agency working to protect the emotional and physical well-being of children. Our supervisors remain neutral and independent, taking full account of family dynamics in the course of their work. They ensure that contact is a safe and positive experience and, if necessary, they will intervene to end a session to protect a child’s welfare.

This depends on the circumstances. If contact has been ordered by the court, CAR will follow the directions in the court order. If supervision is arranged on a voluntary basis, or through solicitors, CAR acts as a bridge to negotiate contact arrangements with the authority of both parents.

We are unable to transport children, but we can assist in handover and returns. We can also travel with clients and their children in their own vehicles. Children can be exposed to conflict when transitioning between parents. With the support of our supervisors these transitions can be managed smoothly with a distance maintained between parties.

CAR will discuss the conditions surrounding contact with you prior to the session commencing, taking account ofyour concerns and needs of your child. Our supervisors work with both parents to agree venues that are appropriate and child focused.

CAR provides a flexible service with a minimum session charge of two hours. There is no upper time limit.

This depends on what is agreed between parents or what has been stipulated by the court. Contact is primarily provided for the non- resident parent only, however unless excluded, the non-resident parent is at liberty to invite significant others, with the knowledge that it remains supervised. These arrangements are made in consultation with the resident parent.

We receive referrals form solicitors, local authorities other professionals and parents/carers who self-refer.

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