Centrepoint will open a new child contact centre in July so that separated families in Jersey still have a safe space to meet.

It will be based at their La Pouquelaye site for the next 12 months from 2 July.

Around 20 families a week are expected to use the facility as a safe place for parents who don't live with their child or children to see them in a supervised environment.

Jane Moy, Centrepoint’s Chief Executive Officer, says the primary concern is for the well-being of children.

"Establishing the centre will allow parents to continue to maintain a relationship with their child in the crucial early stages of family breakdown."

The government will provide funding of £81,000 but will remain independent from it.

It will  be registered with the Jersey Care Commission and the National Association of Child Contact Centres.

The centre will take over from Milli's Separated Family Centre, which is closing on 25 June after announcing in May that it was short of volunteers.

It is only taking new referrals through the family court, as well as continuing to support families who went to Milli's.

"At the moment we are providing what is called supported contact. We have for the contract for the year, with the option to extend for two years.

What we would like to do eventually is perhaps look at the more complicated supervised contact.  There is no one on the island providing this."

Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Inna Gardiner, says she knows that many families rely on Milli’s Child Contact Centre to have valuable time with their child or children and the significant role it plays in their lives.

"I am very pleased that Centrepoint will provide this service and I’d like to thank Milli’s for all the support they offered to children and families.

"t is especially important that the families who use this service will have continued access to a safe, welcoming, and independent service."