For families

Family Time, explained

A plain-language guide for parents, carers and families coming to Project West for the first time.

Every child is different

Understanding your child's experience

Every child arrives at Family Time feeling something different. Some are excited and ready to engage; others may feel anxious, uncertain or need time to settle. All of these responses are normal. At Project West we stay mindful of each child's individual needs, providing a calm, structured, child-centred environment that supports emotional wellbeing, reassurance and positive engagement.

A parent and young child sharing a picture book in a warm, sunlit room

Emotional Safety

Calm rooms, gentle pacing and predictable routines so every child feels secure.

Individual Support

We follow the child's lead and shape each session around their unique needs.

Positive Engagement

Play, warmth and encouragement help families connect in meaningful ways.

What is Family Time?

Family Time is the time a child spends with a parent or family member they don't live with. We provide a safe, neutral, friendly space where that time can happen, supported by people who are trained to put the child first.

What to expect at your first visit

We'll meet you at the door, show you around the centre, and explain everything before the session starts. There's no rush, as we want everyone, especially the child, to feel at ease. The length and frequency of Family Time sessions are agreed according to the referral, Court Order or commissioned arrangements.

How we support children who feel anxious

It's normal for children to feel unsure at first. Our staff use gentle pacing, familiar toys, and calm conversation to help children settle. The child's presentation, emotional wellbeing and expressed wishes are carefully considered throughout the session, within the agreed or Court-directed arrangements and safeguarding framework.

The role of play in Family Time

Play is how children connect, communicate and feel safe. Our rooms are stocked with age-appropriate toys, books and creative activities so families can share something meaningful together, not just sit and talk.

Working in partnership with parents

Relevant adults are communicated with separately and appropriately, in accordance with the agreed arrangements, safeguarding requirements and any Court directions. We share clear expectations, listen to concerns, and work together so children feel the adults around them are pulling in the same direction.

The importance of consistency for children

Children thrive on predictability. The same building, the same friendly faces, the same routines, small things that help a child feel secure when so much else may be changing.

What Happens When I Visit Project West?

Choose the Family Time Service You Need

Select a service below for information about how it works.

Supervised Family Time

Supervised Family Time provides a safe, structured environment where a trained member of the Project West team remains present throughout the entire session.

Supported Family Time

Supported Family Time takes place within our welcoming centre and is suitable where continuous supervision throughout the session is not required.

Supervised Community Family Time

Supervised Community Family Time, sometimes referred to as Escorted Family Time, takes place in the community with a Project West supervisor accompanying the family throughout the session.

Virtual Family Time

Virtual Family Time enables children and family members to maintain contact remotely where this has been agreed or directed.

Family Time Handovers

Project West provides carefully planned handovers where adults should not meet directly.

Indirect Family Time

Where direct Family Time is not currently appropriate, Project West can facilitate agreed indirect communication, including letters, cards and other approved methods of communication, in accordance with Court directions or written agreements.

Child-centred practice

Listening to the child's voice

Children have the right to be heard in decisions that affect them. At Project West we pay close attention to children's thoughts, feelings, behaviour and individual needs, making sure every child is listened to, respected and gently supported throughout Family Time.

Listening

Hearing what children say, in words, in play and in behaviour.

Respecting

Valuing each child's experiences, preferences and pace.

Empowering

Involving children appropriately in decisions and activities that shape their time with family.

Still have questions?

We're here to help. Get in touch and a member of our team will talk things through with you.