Contact / Family Time with Birth Families and Friends
Maintaining safe, positive links with a child’s family is usually central to their sense of identity and long-term wellbeing. Positive Aspirations Group follows the detailed guidance in our Contact with Birth Families Policy to make sure every contact arrangement supports the aims of the child’s Care Plan and keeps everyone safe.
Who decides what contact looks like?
- Child’s social worker – sets the frequency, location and supervision level, completing a written risk-assessment that is recorded in the Individual Placement Agreement (IPA).
- Placement Planning Meeting (PPM) – confirms these details with you before the placement starts.
- Statutory Reviews – revisit contact at every Looked-After Review; carers’ observations are crucial evidence.
Important: no contact should take place until you or your Supervising Social Worker (SSW) have been told that the risk-assessment is complete.
Your role as a foster carer
- Clarify expectations early
Ask for contact details before the child arrives; raise practical questions (transport, supervision, virtual contact) at the PPM. - Promote contact positively
Speak neutrally or warmly about the child’s family; help them choose a photo or draw a card to take to the session. - Stay alert to cues
Note how the child feels beforehand, how the session goes, and any behaviours afterwards that seem linked. - Record every session
In your weekly recordings include:- date, place and people present;
- the child’s mood before and after;
- anything said or done that might affect safety or wellbeing.
- Report problems early
Tell your SSW and the child’s social worker straight away if:- sessions are missed or cut short,
- unsafe behaviour occurs,
- the child shows heightened distress or regression.
Common difficulties & how to respond
| Challenge | First steps |
| Family member turns up intoxicated | End the session safely; inform social worker and SSW immediately. |
| Child refuses to attend | Stay calm, explore feelings, record verbatim; seek guidance before forcing attendance. |
| Birth family asks to change contact arrangements | Thank them for raising it; explain that only the social worker can approve changes; pass request on the same day. |
| Unsupervised phone/social media contact | Screenshot or log evidence; notify SSW and social worker; review risk plan. |
Why the paperwork matters
Consistent notes give professionals—and courts—clear evidence of what helps or hinders a child’s relationship with family. Accurate recording also protects you if any aspect of contact is later questioned.
Key takeaway: Be proactive, be observant and keep talking with your SSW and the child’s social worker. Positive, well-managed contact can strengthen a child’s identity; poorly managed contact can do the opposite. Your sensitive approach makes the difference.
