Family time

[poundedskate7]

Hi, quick question, children under full care orders, family time is community based, usually picked and booked by us, who should be paying the children's entry fees?

We were told we should be paying and always have but I'm wondering if this is right has the la has a legal duty to facilitate family time.

The workers usually get in for free but we were also told that if venues request them to pay then we would have to pay for the workers too, is this true too?

Seems we are helping the la stay under budget at the minute

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Poundedskate7

Thank you for your post and welcome to the discussion board. My name is Suzie, I am an online adviser at Family Rights Group and will be replying to you today.

You are seeking information and guidance in respect of whether you or children’s services should pay for family time between you and your children. Your children are looked after by the local authority.

The local authority has a duty under the Children Act 1989 to promote contact. Children and young people who are looked after should be encouraged and supported to maintain contact with their parents, anyone with parental responsibility, brothers and sisters and other significant family and network members – where it is safe to do so, and as set out in their care plan.

Children’s services have the power, but not the duty (legal obligation) to contribute to or fully fund travel, subsistence, and other contact expenses.
The local authority should have a policy on this and will usually fund family time if the circumstances justify payment because it would otherwise cause undue financial hardship.

I would advise you to ask your local authority for their policy and to discuss any concerns you may have about the impact of paying in full for all family contact time. If you are struggling to meet the costs and in doing so this is causing you financial hardship you may wish to consider making a request for support. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may wish to consider making a formal complaint. I have added HERE our information and guidance regarding this process.

I hope the information provided is of help to you. Please post again if you have any further queries or you can call our free, confidential adviceline on 0808 801 0366 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 3pm). We also have a webchat which is currently open on Monday and Thursday afternoons.

Best wishes, Suzie