Revised Protocol for referrals of children and families to child contact centres in family proceedings (endorsed by Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division)

Written by 42BR's Siân Smith, Anne Dillon and Margaret Kelly-Edwards of Ketley Miller Joels the revised Protocol is designed to assist judges and Magistrates when making orders referring families to Child Contact Centres, originally introduced in 2000 following widespread consultation. Endorsed by the President of the Family Division, Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss it was subsequently approved by her successors Sir Mark Potter, Sir Nicholas Wall, and then revised and strengthened by Sir James Munby in 2017. Since then there have been changes to the Family Justice System and the needs of families which necessitated a further update to this Protocol. 

Speaking about the new Protocol and its importance for children Elizabeth Coe CEO of the National Association of Child Contact Centres said:

"Just to reiterate Sir Andrew's words that we 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. Thank you to Anne Dillon, 42BR Barristers, trustee and former Vice-Chair of the National Association of Child Contact Centres, Sian Smith - 42BR Barristers and Margaret Kelly-Edwards of Ketley Miller Joels for their contributions to this revised version of the protocol."

Revised Protocol for referrals of children and families to child contact centres in family proceedings

19th Dec 2023

Anne Dillon

Call 2003

Siân Smith

Call 2003