Handover
For some families, the most challenging part of contact isn’t the time spent together — it’s the transition from one parent to another
Handover
Situations of conflict, tension, or communication difficulties can make these moments stressful for both parents and children.
At C4F (Centre for Families), our Handover service provides a safe, neutral, and supportive way for children to move between parents without the need for them to meet directly.

This helps reduce conflict, ease anxiety, and ensure that the child’s experience of contact is calm and positive.
How Handover Works
The handover process is simple, but it makes a big difference:
One parent brings the child to the centre at an agreed time.
A member of staff is present to welcome the child and support the transition.
The other parent then collects the child from the centre.
Parents do not have to meet or interact, helping to keep the process conflict-free.
At the end of the contact, the process is reversed, with staff again supporting the transition back.
Why Handover Helps Families
Handover is particularly valuable when:
Parents are unable to communicate without conflict.
There is a history of tension or difficulty at exchanges.
Children feel anxious about moving between parents.
The courts or professionals recommend a neutral handover point.
For children, the service helps create a sense of security. They are shielded from adult conflict and reassured by the calm, structured process. For parents, it removes the pressure of direct exchanges, reducing opportunities for disagreement and helping contact run more smoothly.
A Neutral, Safe Space
Our centres are designed to be welcoming and child-friendly. Staff members are there not only to oversee the exchange, but also to provide reassurance to the child, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported.

We take pride in offering an environment where children can arrive and leave with minimal stress, focusing on the enjoyment of spending time with their parent rather than worrying about difficult transitions.
When Handover is Used
Handover may be recommended as a standalone service, or it may be used alongside other types of contact, such as supported or supervised sessions. It can also act as a stepping stone — helping families transition towards fully independent contact arrangements in the future.
Arranging Handover
- Local authorities and social workers
- CAFCASS and the courts
- Solicitors
- Parents themselves (self-referral)
We will work with both parents to agree suitable times and ensure everyone understands how the process will work
Supporting Children Through Change
Transitions between homes can be emotionally challenging for children.
Our role at C4F is to make those moments as calm, safe, and reassuring as possible. By offering a neutral handover point, we help children feel more secure and give parents confidence that the exchange will take place fairly and respectfully.

Handover at C4F is about reducing conflict, protecting children, and ensuring that family time begins and ends in a safe and positive way.
