When parents separate, the question of how children keep a safe, positive relationship with both parents can be one of the hardest to answer. For some families, the answer is supervised contact: time a child spends with a parent while a trained, independent supervisor is present. This guide explains what supervised contact is, when it is used, how a children’s contact service works, and what families in Perth and across Western Australia can expect.
What is supervised contact?
Supervised contact (sometimes called supervised visitation or supervised visits) is time between a child and a parent, or another family member, that takes place with a neutral third party present. The supervisor’s role is to make sure the visit is safe and child-focused, to step in if something concerning happens, and, where required, to keep an objective record of what they observe.
Supervised contact is not a punishment for either parent. It is a safety measure that allows a child to keep a meaningful relationship with a parent in circumstances where unsupervised time is not yet appropriate.
When is supervised contact used?
Supervised contact may be arranged when there are concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing, or when a relationship needs to be rebuilt gradually. Common situations include:
- A family court has ordered that time with a parent be supervised.
- Parents have agreed, for example in a parenting plan, that supervision is the safest option for now.
- A child has not seen a parent for a long time and contact needs to be re-established at a comfortable pace.
- There is a history of family conflict, and a neutral setting helps everyone stay calm.
- A government agency, such as the Department of Communities, has referred the family for supervised contact.
Every family is different. The right arrangement depends on the child’s needs, any court orders in place and the outcome of an intake and risk assessment.
What is a children’s contact service?
A children’s contact service (CCS) is an independent organisation that provides a safe, neutral place for children to spend time with family members they do not live with. Contact services typically offer two core services:
- Supervised contact: visits that take place with a trained supervisor present.
- Supervised changeover: handovers of a child from one parent to the other, arranged so the parents do not need to meet.
In Australia, good practice for these services is guided by the Attorney-General’s Department Children’s Contact Services: Guiding Principles Framework for Good Practice (October 2018). The framework places the best interests and safety of the child at the centre of every decision.
How supervised contact works at Safe Steps
At Safe Steps Children’s Contact Services, every arrangement follows a clear, structured process:
- Referral received. We receive a referral from the Department of Communities, a legal professional or another authorised source.
- Initial contact. Our team contacts each parent separately to understand the situation and explain the next steps.
- Assessment and planning. We complete an intake and risk assessment and develop a plan tailored to the child and family.
- Sessions begin. Supervised contact or changeovers are scheduled and managed by trained staff from arrival to departure.
Types of supervised contact
Depending on the family’s circumstances, supervised contact may take different forms:
- Centre-based supervised contact: visits in a secure, child-friendly setting.
- Off-site supervised visits: visits at an approved community location, such as a park, when this is assessed as suitable.
- Online supervised contact: monitored video calls, useful when distance or other factors make in-person visits difficult.
Where a court or referring agency needs it, a supervisor’s observations can also be prepared as an objective court report.
What happens during a supervised visit?
A supervised visit is designed to feel as relaxed and natural as possible for the child. Parents and children might talk, read, play games or share a snack. The supervisor stays close enough to see and hear what is happening, without taking over the time together. If anything happens that could affect the child’s safety or wellbeing, the supervisor can redirect the conversation or, if needed, end the visit.
Arrival and departure times are usually staggered so that parents do not need to see each other. For many families, this alone takes a great deal of pressure off the child.
Benefits of using a professional contact service
- Safety first: trained staff manage every stage of the visit.
- Neutrality: an independent service does not take sides.
- Less conflict: separate arrival times and supervised changeovers reduce the chance of disputes in front of the child.
- Consistency: a reliable routine helps children feel secure.
- Clear records: objective observations can support families, case managers and legal professionals.
Frequently asked questions
Is supervised contact permanent?
Not necessarily. For many families, supervised contact is a step toward less restrictive arrangements over time. Any change is guided by court orders, agreements between the parties and the child’s wellbeing.
Who can make a referral?
Referrals can come from the Department of Communities, legal professionals, case managers and other authorised sources. Parents are also welcome to contact us to discuss their situation.
Do parents have to see each other?
No. Arrivals and departures can be staggered, and supervised changeover is designed so parents do not need to meet.
Talk to Safe Steps
If you are a parent, case manager or legal professional looking for supervised contact in Perth or elsewhere in Western Australia, our team is here to help. Make a referral or enquiry or call +61 475 201 348.
This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. For advice about your circumstances, please speak with a family lawyer.