Family time (which is sometimes called ‘contact’) is about providing opportunities for children and young people in foster carer to keep in touch with their family and friends, and other people who are important to them. It can be direct (through face-to-face meetings) or indirect (through things like phone calls, letters and cards or video calls). Foster carers play a crucial role in supporting and encouraging children and young people to maintain these important relationships.
What are family time arrangements?
Family time (or contact) arrangements are the plans for keeping children and young people in touch with their family members, extended family and friends. These arrangements should be clearly set out in every child’s care plan and should refer specifically to how the child will be supported to maintain a connection with, and receive information about, their family and friends.
As part of the care plan, the type (direct or indirect) and frequency (how often a child will see their family and friends) of family time will be agreed. At times, a court may set expectations about the type and frequency of family time. It’s important that foster carers are part of ongoing discussions around family time arrangements, as it’s vital that these are reviewed regularly and are meeting a child’s needs.
What does family time involve?
From face-to-face meetings to overnight stays, letters, phone or video calls, emails, and texts, there are a number of different ways that family time can take place.
- Unsupervised family time (unsupervised contact) is when a child meets their family or friends without anyone else there to facilitate, support or supervise.
- Facilitated family time (facilitated contact) involves some support. For example, a face-to-face meeting might take place at a Children’s Centre, with staff available to meet everyone and be on hand if anyone needs help.
- Supervised family time (supervised contact) is a formal arrangement involving a supervisor who attends the family time session and keeps a written record of what happens. This is often for the child’s safety and welfare.
Foster carers play a crucial role in supporting children to maintain important relationships, no matter how family time takes place. They need to offer a consistent, reliable base from which children can connect with their families and friends safely. This may involve taking a child to a Children’s Centre (or Contact Centre) and, in some cases, supervising visits or calls. A foster carer’s approach to family time can have implications for the welfare of children in their care at the time, and in the longer term.
At times, children may find aspects of family time stressful or upsetting and this can be reflected in changes to their behaviour (for example, regressing or expressing powerful emotions). It is important that foster carers are mindful of the possible impact of family time on children, both before and after it happens. If a foster carer notices any changes in a child’s behaviour that is related to family time, it’s important that this is recorded and shared with the child’s social worker.
Do all children in foster care have family time?
Not all children and young people in foster care must have contact with their families. Children must always be protected from people who are dangerous or pose risks to their physical or emotional welfare. In some cases, this includes their family members. This can be challenging for children and foster carers alike.
