At Bridgeway Family Services,
we
provide a safe, neutral environment where children can spend time with parents or family members they do not live with.
We ensure that your children's needs are at the centre of our work. We offer supervised family tim, and expert assessments (Section 7, parenting assessments between children and their families. We are a floating service ( not linked to a specific building or location) managed by a qualified social work manager with over 20 years experience. The floating service means that we can cater for families in their communities right across London. Our aim is to restore the essence of family and make recommendations for children and families during what may be the most difficult moment in their lives.
Community Based Supervised Family Time
Referral and Assessment: A referral is received from a court or local authority, followed by a risk assessment to determine the level of supervision required.
Preparatory Preparation: Parents are briefed on procedures, rules, and expectations to ensure understanding and cooperation.
Supervised Sessions: Contact takes place in a safe, neutral environment with trained staff observing and supporting interactions to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing.
Recording Observations: Staff document the quality of interactions, behaviours, and any safeguarding concerns during each session.
Reporting and Review: Reports are shared with the referring body, and progress is reviewed to plan future contact arrangements.
Supported Family Time
Referral and Assessment: A referral is received from a court, local authority, or by agreement between parents to determine suitability for supported contact.
Pre-Contact Preparation: Parents are informed about the centre’s procedures, rules, and expectations to ensure sessions run smoothly.
Supported Sessions: Contact takes place in a safe, neutral, and child-friendly environment, with staff available to offer general support but not continuously observe.
Monitoring and Assistance: Staff are present in the centre to provide help if needed and to ensure the overall environment remains safe and positive.
Feedback and Review: Basic records of attendance and any relevant observations are kept, and sessions are reviewed to support progress in family relationships.
Handover Arrangements
Referral and Assessment: A referral is received from a court, local authority, or parents, and a risk assessment is conducted to determine safe handover procedures.
Pre-Handover Preparation: Parents are briefed on rules, expectations, and timings to ensure the handover is calm and organised.
Supervised Handover: Children are exchanged between parents in a neutral, safe environment with staff present to manage any conflicts or issues.
Monitoring: Staff observe the handover to ensure the child’s safety and intervene only if necessary.
Recording and Reporting: Notes are made of the handover, including any incidents or concerns, and shared with the referring agency or court if required.
