A children’s contact service in Perth gives separated families a safe, neutral way for children to spend time with a parent or family member they don’t live with. Safe Steps Children’s Contact Services provides supervised contact visits, supervised changeovers, off-site and online supervised contact, and court reports across Perth and Western Australia, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What is a children’s contact service?
A children’s contact service (CCS) is an independent service that supervises time between a child and a parent or family member, or manages the handover of a child between parents. Families use a CCS when there are safety concerns, high conflict, a long gap in contact, or when a court order or parenting plan requires supervision.
A contact service supervises and observes. It does not provide therapy, mediation or legal advice, and it does not enforce court orders.
Services available in Perth and WA
- Supervised contact visits: a trained supervisor is present for the whole visit, at a centre or an agreed location.
- Supervised changeovers: staff manage the handover so parents don’t need to meet or speak.
- Off-site community visits: supervised time at a park, café or activity in the community.
- Online supervised contact: video visits supervised in real time, where assessed as suitable.
- Court reports and session reports: factual, neutral observations of contact sessions.
Areas covered
Safe Steps supports families across Perth and Western Australia, including Fremantle, Joondalup, Rockingham, Mandurah, Armadale, Midland and Bunbury, subject to staff availability. Online supervised contact is available for families in regional areas or interstate. Travel costs may apply for locations more than 20 km from our base.
How to start: the referral process
- Referral or enquiry. A family lawyer, independent children’s lawyer, case manager, the Department of Communities or a community organisation can refer a family. Parents can also refer themselves.
- Acknowledgement. We acknowledge referrals within 2 business days.
- Separate intake for each parent. Each parent completes intake separately, including a risk assessment.
- Decision and planning. We confirm a decision within 5 business days of a complete referral, then agree times, location and safety arrangements.
- First session. Arrival and departure times are staggered so parents don’t cross paths.
How much does a children’s contact service cost?
Fees depend on the type of service, how often sessions happen and how long they run. Your initial enquiry with Safe Steps is free. The quickest way to get an accurate quote is to email info@safestepsccs.com.au with a few details about your situation.
What to look for when choosing a contact service
- Screened staff: every supervisor should hold a current Working With Children Check and National Police Clearance.
- Insurance: public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
- Child-focused practice: alignment with the Australian Government’s guiding principles for children’s contact services.
- Clear safety procedures: separate intake, staggered arrivals and a written service agreement.
- Availability: hours that suit school and work, including weekends and public holidays.
- Neutral reporting: factual session notes or court reports when needed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a court order to use a children’s contact service?
No. Some families use a contact service by agreement. Others are required to by court orders or a referral. If orders are in place, arrangements are planned in line with them.
Will I have to see the other parent?
No. Intake is completed separately and arrival and departure times are staggered.
Are you available on weekends?
Yes. Safe Steps services are available 24/7, including weekends and public holidays. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
How quickly can supervised contact start?
Referrals are acknowledged within 2 business days, and a decision is confirmed within 5 business days of a complete referral. Start dates then depend on intake and staff availability.
Make a referral or enquiry · info@safestepsccs.com.au
This guide provides general information only and is not legal advice.