We take a children’s rights-based approach to ensure children can spend time with parents or close family members who live apart.
Also known as ‘Child contact’ we provide the safe space to help children and their families reconnect in the right way.
We know that there can be difficult feelings when seeing family members, like anxiety or sadness. That is why we design our family connections centres to be fun and supportive so they provide a welcoming space for positive relationships to grow.
What is family connections?
We work with both parents to make arrangements that are safe and suitable for their family.
We offer 3 different types of Family Connection Services:
- Supervised family connections – arranged when parents and children need more support to be together with a staff member present throughout each session.
- Supported family connections – provides space for the parent and children to play – and to develop -while playing together. During these sessions a staff member is available to be present throughout, but is not required.
- Pick-up and Drop-off family connections – provides a venue for calm handover between parents.
Children have a right to see parents they don’t live with and the right to play.
Who is this suitable for?
Families who are living apart.
- Children and their family members who want a safe place to connect.
- Children and their family members when courts or other agencies decide that children should see the family member(s) they don’t live with.
- Children and young people who have anxiety or apprehension when seeing family members they don’t live with.
- Children and young people who ask to use the service have a fun and safe place to build relationships with family members.
In every situation, the child’s rights to express their views will be respected.
What to expect
A safe and fun environment.
- Sessions are about adults creating loving attachments with their children, so the venues are relaxed, comfortable and private.
- Sessions are held at different venues and we try to ensure each venue has toys suitable for the age, stage and interests of every child – there is baby equipment available too.
- We staff all our venues and have experienced workers who can help parents play and care for their child, especially since children grow and change so fast.
- We talk with all parents about the ground rules of family connection sessions, and with children when possible. These sessions should be special for the child, so it’s important that everyone has the same expectations.
Adaptable to you and your child’s needs.
- We aim to provide different levels of support to suit families in different situations.
- At times, we may support family connections in other places children enjoy, such as parks or cinemas, depending on staff and funding.
- Some families may prefer to attend sessions with groups of families so that children can play with others, as well as their families, or enjoy the activities we provide.
Different levels of service.
Some families may need more intensive support to feel safe and confident. As families get used to their new situations, they often find they no longer need family connection sessions.
We have levels of service for whatever your situation is, for example:
A meeting place: Some parents want to drop their child at a place where the other family member can meet the child. They will leave before the other parent collects them. The parent and child may stay at the venue or go somewhere else, before returning at an agreed time. Whether they stay at our venue or go elsewhere is agreed with both parents in advance – and of course, the child’s views are listened to and acted upon.
A supported connection plan: Some parents may feel safer and more confident if the child is collected by another service or one of our volunteers, and brought to our venue to play with their other parent. Our staff remain on hand to help if needed.
A safe connection plan: Some parents have been advised by the court or social worker that their contact with children should take place with the help of this service. We will stay in the child’s presence throughout the session. We can help the parent and the child to enjoy the play opportunities and support their relationship, but we are not intrusive. If we are asked to report to the court or social workers, we will do this.
How much does it cost?
As a small organisation, our capacity to provide prompt and comprehensive support is only possible by charging for the important service we offer.
We aim to charge a fair and reasonable hourly professional rate which is inclusive of direct staff costs and overheads.
To explore whether you may be entitled to Legal Aid, please contact Citizens Advice for additional assistance.
Affordability and accessibility are important to us and therefore we welcome confidential payment discussions for those families who are not entitled to Legal Aid Funding.
Please note that no family will be excluded from service for financial reasons.
Supervised Package of Care
Preparation for Family Connections
- Family Connections first meeting
- Parent and child visit to therapeutic play centres
- Child’s Plan
- Parent’s Plan
Fees:
£150 per parent
Family Connections Sessions
- 6 sessions of full staffed supervised family connections support in one of our therapeutic playrooms
- Family support & parent coaching
- Progress reviews for both parents
- Progress review for child
- Progression plan
Fees:
6x 1-hour sessions: £300 per parent
6x 2-hour sessions: £600 per parent
Supported Package of Care
Preparation for Family Connections
- Family Connections first meeting
- Parent and child visit to therapeutic play centres
- Child’s Plan
- Parent’s Plan
Fees:
£150 per parent
Family Connections Sessions
- 6 sessions of Family Connections support in one of our therapeutic playrooms or community settings with staff on hand to offer support as required.
- Family support & parent coaching
- Progress reviews for both parents
- Progress review for child
- Progression plan
Fees:
6x 1-hour sessions: £150 per parent
6x 2-hour sessions: £300 per parent
Pick-up and Drop-off Package of Care
Preparation for Family Connections
- Family Connections first meeting
- Parent and child visit to therapeutic play centres
- Child’s Plan
- Parent’s Plan
Fees:
£150 per parent
Family Connections Pick-up and Drop-off Sessions
- 12 x pick-up and drop-off sessions of support family connections handovers in one of our therapeutic playrooms or outdoor venues
- Progression and exit plan
Fees:
£150 per parent
Additional services
Interpreter fee: £30 per hour
Observation & Court Reports: £150 per parent
Refer yourself or someone else
Complete the referral form if you or someone you know would like to access our services
We offer this service at 3 locations
Family Journeys
The Playrooms,
519 Gorgie Road,
Edinburgh,
EH11 3AJ
Family Journeys at The Fisherrow Centre
Fisherrow Centre,
South Street, Musselburgh,
East Lothian,
EH21 6AT
Family Journeys at Linbar House
48 North Bridge Street,
Bathgate
West Lothian,
EH48 4PP
The Smith Family’s Story
The Smith family (not their real name) approached Family Journeys through solicitors due to receiving court ordered supervised interlocuter.
It was suggested that this could be “particularly challenging” as the child had had a significant gap in contact since last seeing her Dad. It was reported that the child had “shown ongoing resistance to engagement” with Dad. As the child initially presented with significant additional needs, it was agreed that the session was to be always supervised by 2 members of staff.
Initially the child repeatedly communicated that she “did not like this man”, however her verbal and physical behaviour was often inconsistent. The child had a previous history of running out of the playroom unannounced during discussions with staff and it was agreed that the child required additional relational support to ensure she felt emotionally safe coming to Family Journeys. Staff spent a significant amount of preparation time working with this child prior to contact and consistently ensured the child’s voice was being heard.
Following this period, Family Journeys began a journey of 3-months of supervised sessions. Family Journeys worked closely with the child on safe behaviours, emotional regulation and connection building. Staff have also supported Dad to understand key developmental stages, neurodivergent needs and encourage attachment-based play as he began to rebuild his relationship with his daughter. The child was able to communicate “I had a fun time Dad and don’t want to leave”. She also wanted Dad to “come back to my house and play one day”.
Over time, the child was able to regulate and communicate her wishes to staff and her Dad using words and actions that she could not do before sessions began. She rarely (if ever) left the playroom during a session and the family have now progressed to feeling comfortable in the decrease in supervision levels. Th child has begun to allow Dad to hug her goodbye and lift her to reach something or play. She now sits physically close to him during the session and even asked “can you come to my party one day”.
Due to the ongoing intensive support that Family Journeys have provided to this family, the child feel heard, feels safe and is now able to enjoy a relationship with her Dad. Family Journeys have also seen a significant improvement in Dad’s awareness of how to manage certain behaviours, how to restore calm and how to co regulate with his daughter.
“Thank you for handling the process professionally and for looking after and crucially listening to (child) at the sessions”
Parent
Our support helpline
A dedicated wellbeing and support service of emotional support during the wait for Family Connections.
Our support helpline is open every Thursday from 9am to 3pm on 0131 322 3861
Fees
As a small organisation, our capacity to provide prompt and comprehensive support is only possible by charging for the important service we offer.
We aim to charge a fair and reasonable hourly professional rate which is inclusive of direct staff costs and overheads.
To explore whether you may be entitled to Legal Aid, please contact Citizens Advice for additional assistance.
Affordability and accessibility are important to us and therefore we welcome confidential payment discussions for those families who are not entitled to Legal Aid Funding.
Please note that no family will be excluded from service for financial reasons.
FAQs
Will I have to see my ex-partner?
- No. If you do not feel comfortable seeing another parent/carer Family Journeys will stagger Family Connections arrival and departure times to ensure everyone feels safe, and their needs are respected. Within our mediation services we can offer shuttle mediation, either in person or online. This involves parents/carers being in different rooms and the mediator moving between. If you are attending our Parenting Apart programme, you will not be put in the same group as another family member (unless expressly requested).
Am I allowed to take photographs?
- As an organisation promoting positive relationships, capturing special moments is a normal aspect of nurturing positive connections. Please note however, this may be subject to certain conditions if a court order explicitly prohibits photographs, if there are child protection concerns or identified risks or if the child does not consent to having their photograph taken, their wishes will be respected. Prioritising the safety and consent of all parties involved is paramount.
Will there always be a staff member in playroom with my child?
- During supervised Family Connection sessions, a staff member will ALWAYS be present with your child. During supported Family Connection sessions, a staff member will be available for when a child or parent/family member may need them, and they will offer regular check ins to see if all is going well in the playroom.
Can I wait at Family Journeys whilst my child sees my ex-partner?
- Yes of course. We have relaxing parent/carer rooms for you to wait whilst your child is enjoying time in the playrooms. This can help you and your child feel more at ease in the early sessions. However, you may also wish to spend some time away from the venue and this is encouraged once your child feels comfortable coming to Family Journeys. Staff will always call you if your child needs you to return.
My court order was issued last month, why can’t I start immediately?
- At Family Journeys, we understand this is a stressful period for all, especially the child. We don’t want to delay but sometimes it takes a while to find a vacant slot in our venues that suits both you and your child. We also want to give your child and family every chance of success when coming to Family Journeys, therefore it is important that we start after a period of preparation. This preparation period will travel at the pace of the child and support everyone to get the most out of their time playing together in the hope of independent co-parenting solutions.
How long will it take after the intake meeting for contact to start?
- This is difficult to answer because it depends on your child’s readiness to meet. Sometimes we support the child with an extended preparation or involve the child in our All About Me service if they are struggling. Normally we would hope your first play session would be no longer than a month after your initial meeting with staff, but sometimes it can take longer.
I worry I can’t afford this. What can I do?
- If you are in receipt of benefits or earn below a certain threshold, you may be entitled to Scottish Legal Aid. You will need a solicitor to access these funds. If you are not entitled to Scottish Legal Aid and feel you will struggle to meet the costs, please get in touch with us directly to discuss how we can work out a payment plan that is affordable.
If I go on holiday, will I get into trouble?
- No. We will communicate this information to your ex-partner and solicitors, if applicable, and arrange a catch-up session where possible. The key here is being honest and planning ahead.
I can’t find a legal aid solicitor, what do I do?
- Although Family Journeys cannot specifically suggest a particular solicitor, we can provide you with a list of Scottish Legal Aid solicitors who you can contact.
My solicitor told me that they are no longer doing Legal Aid work. What do I do?
- Let Family Journeys know ASAP. It is possible the child’s other parent may be able to cover costs short term through their own legal aid. Family Journeys can help communicate this with your permission. It may be important for you to find another solicitor to represent you. During this period, we will not stop your child’s Family Connections time.
I am worried my ex-partner will find out where I live if they ask the children. Can you control what is said during a session?
- During supervised Family Connections sessions, our staff will be present to ensure you, and your children, are safe. Any leading questions thought to expose a restricted address will be stopped.
How can I access my child’s or my notes?
- You can acquire all notes retained on our information management system regarding yourself and/or the child you have legal rights and responsibilities for through a subject access request.
What happens if a parent or guardian arrives under the influence of substances?
- Family Journeys are unable to do any drug testing, but we do visual checks and monitor the persons behaviour. If staff detect that a person is under the influence or cannot look after the child, family time will be stopped. Family Journeys are an inclusive organisation, if a family is impacted by substance use Family Journeys can support to find appropriate solutions with the individual and family.
Resources
There are many resources and organisations available to offer support.