Family and Contact Arrangements
Supporting safe, planned, and meaningful contact between young people and the people who matter to them.
Connection is part of identity
For most young people in care, family is complicated. Relationships may be sources of strength, of harm, or of both. Whatever the picture, we recognise that contact and connection are part of who a young person is. Our job is to support the safest, most meaningful version of those connections that the young person’s care plan allows.
* How we support contact *
Work to the contact arrangements agreed in the young person’s care plan and any court orders
Support face-to-face contact, supervised contact, telephone calls, and video calls
Prepare the young person before contact and offer space to reflect afterwards
Liaise with contact centres, family members, and the placing authority
Maintain detailed records of every contact arrangement and any concerns raised
Adjust arrangements quickly where safeguarding concerns or the young person’s wellbeing require it
* When contact is hard *
Contact can bring up difficult feelings before, during, and after the visit or call. We are alert to this, and we build space into the day around contact for the young person to settle, process, and be heard. Where contact has been emotionally challenging, this is followed up in key work and reflected in care planning.
* Other significant relationships *
Family is not always biological. Trusted adults, former carers, mentors, faith leaders, and long-standing friends can be important parts of a young person’s network. Where these relationships are positive and safe, we support them as part of the wider picture of who the young person is.
* Identity, culture, and life-story work *
Connection to identity and culture matters as much as connection to people. We support young people to maintain links to their cultural, religious, and linguistic heritage, and to develop their understanding of their own story over time. Where life-story work is part of the plan, we support it in partnership with the social worker and any therapist involved.
Referral and Partnership?
We are always happy to talk through how our home model could suit a young person you are placing. To discuss a referral, contact Rebecca Saunders (Director) on enquiries@hubhaven.co.uk or 07878 843579.