Updated version issued of Judicial Protocol on referrals to child contact centres
The National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC) last month launched a new version of its Judicial Protocol for Referrals of Children and Families to Child Contact Centres in Family Proceedings.
The document has been endorsed by Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division.
NACCC, a charity, said the protocol has traditionally focused on referrals to supported contact centres, but this new version contains the following:
- Information on supervised family time.
- Information on virtual contact.
- Some helpful pro-forma orders.
NACCC said: “The Judicial Protocol is a vital resource for judges and magistrates making orders referring families to accredited child contact services and has been regularly updated over the last 23 years.”
Sir Andrew said: “I urge Magistrates and Judges to ensure they refer families only to accredited centres so that every child whose circumstances necessitate the use of child contact centres or services, will benefit from the same high level of care and safeguarding.”
Anne Dillon and Sian Smith, both of 42BR Barristers, and Margaret Kelly-Edwards of Ketley Miller Joels contributed to the revised version of the protocol.
