Definition: the term used for ongoing access and contact between a child and a parent (or wider family) who have been separated. There are different legal provisions regarding contact, depending on whether the child is subject to a dispute between separated parents (private law) or whether a child is looked after (public law). Contact in private law comes under section 8 Children Act 1989. Contact in public law comes under s 34 Children Act 1989 and s 96 Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.

Category: CYP

Credit: Cardiff University

Source: https://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/childrens-social-care-law/glossary/