Supervised contact gives children safe, regular time with a parent or family member they don’t live with, with a trained supervisor present for the whole visit. Safe Steps Children’s Contact Services provides supervised contact visits for families across Perth and Western Australia, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What is supervised contact?
Supervised contact is time between a child and a parent or family member they don’t live with, where a trained, independent supervisor is present for the whole visit. The supervisor’s role is to keep the visit safe and child-focused, and to step in if anything puts the child at risk.
Families use supervised contact when there are safety concerns, high conflict, a long gap since the child last saw the parent, or when a court order, parenting plan or the Department of Communities requires supervision. It can also help rebuild a relationship gradually, in a calm and predictable setting.
How supervised visits work at Safe Steps
- Separate intake first. Each parent completes intake and a risk assessment separately before any visit is booked.
- A tailored plan. We agree the length and frequency of visits, the location, and any conditions set by court orders or the referrer.
- Staggered arrivals. Arrival and departure times are staggered so parents don’t cross paths.
- Supervision from start to finish. A trained supervisor stays within sight and hearing for the whole session.
- Safe handover back. At the end of the visit the child is returned to the resident parent or carer under supervision.
What the supervisor does
Our supervisors observe and support the visit. They make sure conversations and activities stay appropriate for the child, that any agreed conditions are followed, and that the visit ends early if the child’s safety or wellbeing requires it. Where needed, they record factual observations, which can form the basis of a court report.
A contact service supervises and observes. We don’t provide therapy, mediation or legal advice, and we don’t enforce court orders.
Where visits take place
Visits can take place at an agreed location, or at suitable community venues through off-site supervised visits such as a park, café or activity. Where in-person visits aren’t possible, online supervised contact may be suitable.
We support families across Perth and Western Australia, including Fremantle, Joondalup, Rockingham, Mandurah, Armadale, Midland and Bunbury, subject to staff availability. Travel costs may apply for locations more than 20 km from our base.
Why families and referrers choose Safe Steps
- Screened, trained staff: every worker holds a current Working With Children Check and National Police Clearance.
- Insured: public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
- Best-practice aligned: our operations align with the Attorney-General’s Department Children’s Contact Services: Guiding Principles Framework for Good Practice.
- Available 24/7: sessions can be arranged around school and work, including weekends and public holidays.
- Independent and neutral: we don’t take sides. Our focus is the child.
Cost of supervised contact
Fees depend on how often visits happen, how long they run and where they take place. Your initial enquiry is free. For an accurate quote, email info@safestepsccs.com.au with a few details about your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a court order for supervised contact?
No. Some families use supervised contact by agreement. Others are required to by court orders or a referral. If orders are in place, we plan visits in line with them.
Will I have to see the other parent?
No. Intake is completed separately for each parent, and arrival and departure times are staggered so parents don’t need to meet.
How long is a supervised visit?
Visit length depends on the child’s needs, the plan agreed at intake and any court orders. Visits are often shorter at the start and can be reviewed over time.
Can grandparents or other family members have supervised contact?
Yes. Supervised contact can be arranged between a child and any family member they don’t live with, where this is assessed as safe and appropriate.
Are you available on weekends?
Yes. Our services are available 24/7, including weekends and public holidays. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
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 changeovers
- 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.