I am undertaking research into the availability and quality of contact centres for Looked After Children and their families in London and surrounding areas. I am undertaking research to see whether the way we this for children and their families could be improved, whilst at the same time saving local authorities’ resources. I would be grateful if you could provide the following information:

1. Which centres/services does Wokingham BC use to arrange supervised family contact for children and young people in care?
The Palm Centre is a Wokingham Borough Council provision used for family contact often during a proceedings process. The social care teams are also utilising other spaces/the community such as Here4U office, the Voice Of The Child in Reading, Crest Care, Call Us and ISWP. We also have some family time that is organised by the child’s residential homes.

2. How many of your LAC currently attend regular supervised contact with family members either in the community or at a centre?
18 children currently use the Palm Centre. Data is not available to the other services used.

3. How many contact centre sessions were procured in the last financial year?
Data unavailable.

4. What proportion of contact is held in external contact centres (as opposed to Local Authority buildings)?
Data unavailable.

5. What did the Local Authority spend on commissioning external contact centres and services in the last financial year?
£31,365 23/24