Supported Contact
Supported contact provides a safe, neutral setting where a child can spend time with a parent they no longer live with. It is the right service for many separated families where the arrangement simply needs a reliable venue and a friendly, non-intrusive presence — not close supervision.
What supported contact is
Supported contact takes place at one of our accredited centres, where trained staff are present and available but do not sit in on or monitor the session. Several families may use the same space at once. Our role is to welcome everyone, ensure the environment is calm and safe, and let contact happen naturally.
As with all our services, supported contact is delivered under our NACCC enhanced accreditation — the standard we hold across every centre.
How it works
- Referral. A parent, solicitor, mediator, or local authority contacts us to begin the process.
- Setup. We arrange the details and, provided both parties engage, put the service in place within seven days. We do not operate a waiting list.
- Sessions. Handover is managed so parents need not meet if that is preferred. The child spends time with their parent while our staff remain on hand.
- Review. Arrangements are kept under review and adjusted as circumstances change.
Why it helps families
Supported contact keeps a child's relationship with a parent going during a difficult period, without adding pressure. It offers reassurance to everyone involved, a consistent routine for the child, and a practical way to make arrangements work for the family as it now is.
When supported contact is used
It is commonly used where:
- Contact needs to restart after a period apart.
- A neutral venue helps reduce tension between parents.
- Handovers need to happen without the parents meeting.
- There are no significant concerns requiring one-to-one supervision.
Where closer monitoring is needed, our Supervised Contact service may be more appropriate. If you are unsure which service fits your situation, we are happy to advise.
