Skip to main content

Children and young people feedback line: 0808 175 3333

Welcome to the Enabling Family Time service

Spending time together is important for children and families, especially during times of change and when the family court is involved. Enabling Family Time is a short, child‑focused service commissioned by Cafcass on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. Launched on 5 May, it has been introduced to provide a clearer, more focused approach that supports children to experience safe and meaningful time with parents or other important adults at the right point in family court proceedings. 

The service is designed to help children spend meaningful time with a parent they do not live with, or another adult who is important to them, when families are involved in private law family court proceedings. 

Our goal is to create a safe, calm and neutral space where children can connect or reconnect and rebuild relationships with their parent or another important adult in a way that feels supportive and positive. 

This service is only available when a Family Court Adviser (FCA) from Cafcass is working with your family and assesses that Enabling Family Time is in the best interests of the child/children and will benefit the family. 

This guide explains what the service is, what you can expect, and how we will work together to make the experience as positive as possible for your child. 

A social worker talks to a child and takes notes

What we aim to achieve with Enabling Family Time 

We are here to support your family to work towards three key goals: 

  1. Positive family time experiences 

Children spending time with their parent or another important adult in a safe, neutral and welcoming environment that supports connection. 

  1. Children’s voices at the centre 

Your child/children’s needs, wishes and feelings guide every decision and every session. Their safety will have been assessed through the Section 7 report or Child Impact Report. 

  1. Progress towards future family time arrangements 

By the end of your sessions, families may feel more connected and better able to agree on longer‑term plans or contribute to Our Child’s Plan. 

How the service works 

Enabling Family Time is designed to be short, structured and supportive, providing families with a safe starting point or helping them continue to rebuild time together. 

  • Child‑centred 

Everything, from the venue to the activities, is shaped around what feels safe and appropriate for your child. 

  • Held in a safe location 

Family time sessions may take place: 

  • At a NACCC‑accredited family centre 
  • In the community (for example, a park, library or play area) 
  • At another suitable location agreed by the FCA 

Supported by trained staff 

Cafcass works with a pool of local providers who deliver the service locally for families. A trained family time worker will be present to support the session, ensure your child feels safe, and observe how the time together goes. 

Focused on safety 

If any concerns arise, the FCA will be informed so that decisions continue to prioritise your child’s wellbeing. 

Young girl looking at a social worker across table

The process after a referral 

Here is what to expect step by step once a referral is made to the service: 

  1. Referral received 

Your FCA assesses whether your child/children and family are suitable for, and would benefit from, the service. The FCA will speak with the child/children and family to seek agreement to proceed and will send the referral to the provider. 

Parents will also need to have completed the Planning Together for Children programme if they have not already done so. 

It is important that you can commit to the service timeline. You should inform the FCA of the most convenient times and locations for sessions. Referrals are not intended to remain open for extended periods due to holidays, work commitments or other delays. Where families cannot engage in a timely way, providers may discuss this with the FCA and close the referral, which can later be reopened if appropriate. 

Please note that you may be required to travel up to one hour each way to attend family time sessions. 

  1. Getting to know you

Before sessions begin, the family time worker may: 

  • Speak with the child/children (where appropriate), parents and/or another important adult to introduce themselves 
  • Discuss any needs or adaptations that may be required 
  • Arrange pre‑visits, if helpful and appropriate 
  • Explain how family time sessions work 
  • Family time workers do not assess or reassess risks or concerns, such as domestic abuse. Reaching the EFT stage means that areas of risk and concern have already been considered by the court and deemed safe. 

Please note that each family time centre has its own protocols and rules, which will be explained in advance. These may include guidance on gifts, who can attend sessions, child safety, staffing and staff roles. 

  1. Family time sessions 

Family time sessions typically involve: 

  • Up to three sessions 
  • Each session lasting approximately 90 minutes 
  • Usually one session per week, unless agreed otherwise 
  • Sessions are always in person, unless your FCA specifically requests virtual sessions 
  • Delivered by staff trained in child safety and family work 
  • Locations are chosen to be comfortable, suitable and, where possible, within a one‑hour journey each way 
  • If you or your child/children cannot attend a planned session, please inform the family time worker as soon as possible so it can be rearranged. If a session is missed without prior notice, you may be charged for that session. 

The role of family time workers during sessions 

Family time workers will: 

  • Listen to the child/children’s wishes and feelings 
  • Ensure the child feels safe 
  • Observe interactions 
  • Support the session if needed 
  • Record factual, evidence‑based notes 

Please note that Enabling Family Time is not a support or mediation service. If you need additional support, you may wish to explore other services available in your local area. 

 

  1. After each session 

Session notes are sent to the FCA within two working days. These notes provide a neutral and factual account of what happened during the session. Session notes are not usually shared with families or third parties unless specifically requested. Any requests should be made through your FCA, as the family time worker cannot fulfil these requests directly. 

Expectations for families 

During the Enabling Family Time sessions, families are expected to: 

  • Prioritise the child/children’s comfort and emotional safety 
  • Actively engage in family time sessions and make the most of the opportunity 
  • Work respectfully with staff and with each other 
  • Provide any information needed to help keep sessions safe 
  • Help create a calm and positive experience for the child/children
A woman speaking to two people

Next steps after the service 

Following the family time sessions, the FCA will update the court on how the sessions went. This information will help the court make decisions about future family time arrangements. 

The FCA will explain the next steps to you. 

If both the family and the FCA feel that further family time sessions would be helpful, these can be arranged directly with the Enabling Family Time provider on a self‑funding basis. 

The goal is always to support the child in the best possible way.