Supervising Family Time for friends & family

This short course is designed for friends and family members who will be supporting and supervising contact between children and their parents. The aim is to give you practical tools, realistic guidance, clear boundaries, and an understanding of the limitations of this unique support. It introduces the essentials you need to feel confident and prepared, including:

• The purpose, background and limitations of friends and family supervising contact
• Ground rules and expectations with parents
• Effective communication and organisation of sessions
• Setting and maintaining boundaries
• The child’s voice
• Safeguarding and what to look for including when and how to step in
• How to look after yourself and where to get help

Helping to support and supervise contact as a friend or family member can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions or relationships are complex. For up to six months after completing the course our support team will be available to offer guidance should you need it in a limited way. This is a bit like having someone to reach out to when the other professionals have stepped away like Cafcass or the courts and solicitors. Often this will be signposting, general guidance or a listening ear. If something happens during a session and you’re unsure how to respond or if you just need to talk something through you can reach out to us.