What Does Covid-19 Mean for My Contact?

We are all now aware that COVID-19 is a world pandemic and is affecting every aspect of our lives.

Unfortunately, it therefore follows that it has had an affect on the current arrangements for contact between children in the care of the local authority or placed outside of the family, with their parents or other significant family members.

At present

The Government announced on Monday 23 March 2020 that people must now stay at home. Separate advice was issued in relation to households who are isolating and the most vulnerable members of society and this is addressed further below. The Government gave only four reasons for which we should leave our homes in the next few weeks, they will then reconsider whether these measures are still necessary.

Because of this, Local Authorities have reviewed their positions. In Derbyshire both Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council have said that all direct contact will now be suspended until further notice. This is to ensure all families and workers are kept safe.

What does this mean

This has not been a decision taken lightly and we need to ensure the effect on children’s attachments are minimised. Where possible, you should speak to your solicitor about indirect contact and whether this can be facilitated.

What happens after this

Following the three-week period, if direct contact can then resume, then this will need to re-instated as soon as possible. Where children are placed within the family, the decisions are going to be with those with parental responsibility for the children as to what contact is safe and, in the children’s best interests.

Where contact is facilitated by a contact centre there will most likely then be the following problems:

Social distancing measures will most likely still be advised and so there will need to be guidance on how this can be implemented within the setting of contact centres
Putting in place contact plans to include dates and times again for families
Ensuring there are enough workers to facilitate contact arrangements so they can take place
There may still be some children/ carers/ family members who may not be able to attend contact

Those who may still be unable to attend contact

If you live alone and have symptoms of the coronavirus, you will need stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms began. This could mean that you yourself are not then able to attend contact
If you live with others who have symptoms of the coronavirus, you will need to stay at home for 14 days. Again, this could mean you are unable to attend contact but could also mean that your children are not able to attend where a member of their household have contracted the virus or are showing symptoms
If those caring for your children are vulnerable people, or the children themselves are at high risk during this time, they may have been advised to stay at home for a longer period which could be at least 12 weeks. Again, this may then impact on whether or not contact can take place

‘But my child is still going to school. How can this be right?’

Whilst schools are closed in the broad sense, they have remained open for children of key workers and vulnerable children to continue to attend and receive support. Education is viewed as a ‘protective factor’ for children as they are seen by professionals, receive support, receive meals and it forms part of their routine.

What do I do?

This is undoubtedly an extremely difficult time for families. You need to ensure that you are following the Governments guidance and are acting in yours and the children’s best interests whilst also considering the interests of the wider public to ensure everyone is safe. Remember that when in proceedings, the number one consideration is the welfare of the child and it is no different now.

For information on other ways in which COVID-19 will affect the families currently receiving intervention from the Local Authority or in Care Proceedings, please contact me on 01332 364436 or by email at l.such@timms-law.com

Laura Such
25th March 2020