Supervised Contact
Supervised contact allows a child to maintain a relationship with a parent or family member in a safe, closely monitored setting. Throughout each session, a trained member of our team remains present, observing and supporting interaction at all times. This is our most closely managed contact service, designed for situations where a child's safety and wellbeing require constant oversight.
What supervised contact is
Unlike supported contact, where staff are on hand but sessions are less closely watched, our supervised contact services involve one-to-one attention. A member of our team stays with the child and parent for the full duration of the visit, ensuring the child is safe and comfortable at every stage. Where appropriate, we can also produce written observations for referrers and the court.
This service is distinct from informal supervised contact by family member arrangements. As an independent, NACCC enhanced accredited organisation, we provide impartial supervision by professionals with no personal connection to either party.
How it works
Once a referral is received, we can have supervised contact visits in place within seven days, provided both parties engage. We do not operate a waiting list. Our process is straightforward:
- A referral is made by a parent, solicitor, mediator, social worker or local authority.
- We confirm details and arrange a suitable centre and time.
- Both parties complete the necessary paperwork and, where needed, a pre-visit meeting.
- Supervised sessions begin, with a trained supervisor present throughout.
- We provide observation records where these have been requested.
Why it helps families
Supervised contact gives children a secure environment in which to spend time with a parent, and gives everyone involved confidence that the child's needs come first. It is not about reuniting a household. It is about making sensible, safe arrangements that work for the family as it is now, so that important relationships can be maintained and, where suitable, contact can progress over time.
Contact services are our sole focus. That specialism, together with our NACCC enhanced accreditation and our work with local authorities across southern England, means families and referrers can rely on a consistent, professional service.
When supervised contact is used
Supervised contact is typically arranged where there are concerns that need to be managed carefully. It is often used following:
- Court direction or local authority involvement
- Concerns about a child's safety or emotional wellbeing
- A significant period without contact between child and parent
- Allegations that require independent oversight
- The reintroduction of contact after separation or removal
Find a centre near you
We operate a network of centres across multiple counties. To find supervised contact centres near me, view our full list of locations.
