A supervised changeover lets children move safely between parents without the parents having to meet or speak. Safe Steps manages child handovers for separated families across Perth and Western Australia, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What is a supervised changeover?
A supervised changeover is when a children’s contact service manages the handover of a child from one parent to the other, so the parents don’t need to meet, speak or be in the same place. The child moves between households with a trained staff member, not across a tense doorstep or car park.
Changeovers suit families where the child is safe with each parent individually, but contact between the parents is high-conflict, unsafe or restricted by court orders or a protection order. They take a common flashpoint out of the child’s week.
How a changeover works
- Parent one arrives at the agreed time and hands the child to a Safe Steps staff member, then leaves.
- A short gap. Arrival and departure times are staggered so the parents don’t cross paths.
- Parent two arrives and collects the child from our staff member.
- The return trip at the end of the parenting time happens the same way in reverse.
Staff look after the child during the handover and help them settle for the transition. Where needed, they record factual observations of the changeover, such as arrival times and any issues, which can support a court report.
Supervised changeover or supervised contact?
A changeover only supervises the handover. The parenting time itself is unsupervised. If there are concerns about the child’s safety during the time with a parent, supervised contact visits are usually the right fit instead. Our intake and risk assessment helps work out which service suits your family, in line with any court orders.
Locations and hours
Changeovers can be arranged at agreed locations across Perth and Western Australia, including Fremantle, Joondalup, Rockingham, Mandurah, Armadale, Midland and Bunbury, subject to staff availability. Our services run 24/7, including weekends and public holidays, so changeovers can fit around school, work and the parenting schedule. Travel costs may apply for locations more than 20 km from our base.
Why choose Safe Steps for changeovers
- No direct contact between parents: separate intake, staggered timing and staff-managed handovers.
- Screened staff: every worker holds a current Working With Children Check and National Police Clearance.
- Insured and best-practice aligned: public liability and professional indemnity insurance, and alignment with the national Children’s Contact Services: Guiding Principles Framework for Good Practice.
- Neutral: we don’t take sides. Our focus is a calm transition for the child.
Cost of supervised changeovers
Fees depend on how often changeovers happen and where. Your initial enquiry is free. Email info@safestepsccs.com.au for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Will I see the other parent at a changeover?
No. Arrival and departure times are staggered and our staff manage the handover, so parents don’t need to meet or communicate directly.
Is the parenting time supervised too?
No. A supervised changeover covers the handover only. If supervision is needed during the visit itself, supervised contact visits are the right service.
Can changeovers happen on weekends and public holidays?
Yes. Safe Steps services are available 24/7, including weekends and public holidays.
Do we need a court order for supervised changeovers?
Not always. Some families arrange changeovers by agreement, while others are required to by court orders or a referral. If orders are in place, we plan changeovers in line with them.
Start a referral
Family lawyers, independent children’s lawyers, case managers, the Department of Communities, community organisations and parents themselves can refer to Safe Steps. We acknowledge referrals within 2 business days and confirm a decision within 5 business days of a complete referral.
Make a referral online · Contact us · info@safestepsccs.com.au · 0475 201 348
Related services
- Supervised contact visits
- Off-site supervised visits
- Online supervised contact
- Court reports
- Intake and risk assessment
- Guide: children’s contact services in Perth
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice.