Supervised Family time

Our supervised sessions are provided when there are more complex issues or a child is at risk of harm.

This service is available as community Family time.

Ask us if you would like another area or would need a venue booking in that area.

Pricing

(Usually the person who doesn’t live with the child pays and sometimes this is split)

Please note: journeys outside of Sheffield will incur a charge.

Complete a referral form

The sessions take place in a one to one observed setting. Observations are done by a team member experienced in observing and reporting.  

Family Time is observed at all times. There is another team member, usually an experienced children’s worker assigned to support and assist if required.  The team member will only get involved if asked or needed and this will all be discussed and agreed prior to the session. 

We work very closely with all parties involved and work hard to put everyone at ease and help everyone get the most out of the session. 

We choose toys, games and equipment based on consultation with both adults and the child and review the choices after the session ready for the next one. 

Supervised sessions are typically used in response to a court order or referral by a public body such as a social worker or cafcass. They can also be used as part of a re-introduction process where there has been a long absence. Sometimes people choose to use the supervised service for a short time to provide extra reassurance.  

You do not have to see or meet the other adults involved in the Family time session initially and in some instances that may never happen. When and if that happens depends on a number of things, primarily your child’s wishes and feelings and also your safety, worries and anxiety in relation to this.

The person the child lives with is required to arrive 10 minutes before and leave 10 minutes after the child and the person the child lives with. This is the same for every family that attends.  

We would strongly recommend that you contact us to discuss any specific enquiries relating to referrals, however, the following table is provided as a guide:

Referrals we can accept
Ongoing court proceedings
Children looked after by local authorities
Children adopted or living with family under SGO arrangements (or similar)
High levels of conflict
Parental communication breakdown
Alleged or proven, none current domestic abuse
Alleged or proven, none current risk of abuse to children
Parents building skills and experience caring for their children
Parents with learning difficulties

Referrals we cannot accept
Current risk or threat of abuse to children
Adults who have sexually offended (against children or adults), regardless of whether legal proceedings have concluded or are ongoing
Referrals whereby there is a threat/risk of violence to another person (regardless of age)