✅ choosing the right children's contact service

Not all contact services are the same. The right choice can make a world of difference for your child’s safety, comfort, and connection. Here’s a checklist of what every parent should look for.

A quality service should be managed by Social Workers. At Holding Hands, all of our Senior Contact Workers - the team members who manage intakes and support others - hold at least a university-level qualification in Social Work.

Contact workers should come from social science backgrounds - including social work, psychology, or mental health. Our workers also need experience in this sector and an understanding of the complex needs of children following separation.

✔ A structured intake assessment interview to consider risks and supports before visits begin 

✔ A child familiarisation session so children can meet their contact worker before the first visit

These steps reduce anxiety and help children feel ready.

Families should be matched with a consistent contact worker, building trust and familiarity.

Visits should take place in safe, age-appropriate locations, with separate meeting points and staggered arrival/departures for parents to ensure safety.

At Holding Hands, these aren’t extras - they’re the standard. 

Every detail is designed so children feel safe, supported, and connected during contact visits.