Contact Arrangements for Looked After Children: Complete Guide

The Importance of Contact

Contact between looked after children and their birth families is a fundamental right and, in most cases, benefits children's wellbeing, identity, and long-term outcomes. Article 8 of the Human Rights Act protects the right to family life, and the local authority has a duty to promote contact unless it's not in the child's best interests.

However, contact must be carefully managed to ensure it's safe and beneficial for the child.

Legal Framework

Presumption of Contact

Schedule 2, Paragraph 15 of the Children Act 1989 requires local authorities to promote contact between looked after children and their parents, relatives, and others connected to them—unless it's not reasonably practicable or consistent with the child's welfare.

Contact Orders

When a care order is made, the court usually makes a contact order setting out the minimum level of contact. The local authority can agree additional contact above this level.

Refusing Contact

The local authority can refuse contact for up to 7 days if it's necessary to safeguard the child's welfare and the decision is made by a nominated officer. Beyond this, a court order is needed.

Types of Contact

Face-to-Face Contact

• Most common form of contact
• Can be supervised or unsupervised
• May take place at contact centres, family homes, or community venues

Telephone and Video Contact

• Can supplement face-to-face contact
• May be particularly useful when distance is an issue
• Needs age-appropriate consideration

Letter Contact

• Often used for adoption or long-term foster placements
• Usually indirect (via letterbox service)
• Content may be reviewed

Supervised vs Unsupervised Contact

When Supervision is Needed

• Concerns about the child's safety during contact
• Risk of abduction
• Parental mental health or substance use concerns
• History of domestic abuse
• To assess parenting and interactions

Levels of Supervision

• Observed: Supervisor present throughout, watching interactions
• Supported: Supervisor present but less intensive
• Monitored: Check-ins during contact
• Unsupervised: No professional present

Planning Contact

Factors to Consider

• The child's wishes and feelings
• The purpose of contact (reunification, maintaining relationships, etc.)
• Any risks during contact
• The child's age and developmental needs
• Impact on the child's placement
• Practical arrangements (venue, transport, timing)

Frequency and Duration

This depends on the care plan:

• Reunification: Usually frequent contact to maintain attachments
• Long-term foster care: Regular contact to maintain family links
• Adoption: May be reduced/letterbox only

Recording Contact

What to Record

• Date, time, location, and duration
• Who was present
• The child's presentation before, during, and after
• Parent's presentation and behaviour
• Quality of interactions observed
• Any concerns or positive observations
• What was discussed (if relevant)

Writing Contact Records

• Be factual and descriptive
• Distinguish observation from interpretation
• Include direct quotes where relevant
• Note the child's reactions and behaviour
• Be balanced—record positives as well as concerns

Difficult Contact Issues

When the Child Refuses Contact

• Explore the reasons sensitively
• Consider whether this reflects the child's genuine wishes
• Don't force contact, but don't automatically accept refusal
• Consider therapeutic support
• Record and review

When Parents Don't Attend

• Consider impact on the child
• Explore barriers to attendance
• Document non-attendance
• Consider adjusting arrangements

Inappropriate Behaviour During Contact

• Be clear about expectations beforehand
• Intervene if needed to protect the child
• End contact early if necessary
• Record what happened
• Review contact arrangements

Contact with Siblings

Sibling contact is often particularly important:

• May be the most significant relationship for the child
• Should be considered separately from parental contact
• Placement should support sibling relationships where possible
• Regular, meaningful contact should be facilitated

Contact and Permanence

Long-Term Foster Care

Contact usually continues at a level that maintains family relationships without destabilising the placement.

Adoption

Direct contact is less common but letterbox contact often continues. Post-adoption contact should be addressed in the adoption support plan.

Special Guardianship

Special guardians decide about contact, though the court may make a contact order. Contact arrangements should be realistic and sustainable.

Reviewing Contact

Contact arrangements should be reviewed:

• At every LAC review
• When circumstances change
• When concerns arise
• When the child's views change

Conclusion

Contact between looked after children and their birth families is a right and, usually, a benefit. Good contact planning, careful supervision where needed, and thorough recording help ensure contact works for the child. The child's welfare and wishes should be at the centre of all contact decisions.