Children Contact Service
Safe, Professional Supervised Contact for Families in Transition
When families face separation or other challenging circumstances, maintaining healthy relationships between children and parents is crucial. Our Children Contact Service provides a safe, supportive environment where these important connections can continue to flourish under professional supervision.
What is a Children Contact Service?
Our Children Contact Service offers supervised and supported contact arrangements between children and non-residential parents or family members. Whether you're navigating family court proceedings, child protection involvement, or simply need a neutral space for contact to occur safely, our qualified clinicians and social workers are here to help.
We understand that every family situation is unique. That's why we work closely with you to develop contact arrangements that prioritize your child's safety, wellbeing, and best interests while supporting positive family relationships where appropriate.
Our Services
Contact Options
- Supervised Contact Visits - Direct professional supervision during parent-child time
- Supported Contact - Facilitated contact with minimal intervention as relationships strengthen
- Changeover Supervision - Safe, neutral handovers between parents
- Therapeutic Contact - Contact combined with therapeutic support and intervention
- Virtual Contact - Online supervised sessions when distance or circumstances require
- Community-Based Contact - Supervised visits in community settings
- Child Transport - Transportation assistance in specific circumstances
Professional Support
- Child-Focused Assessments - Comprehensive evaluation of children's needs and best interests
- Risk Assessment and Management - Thorough safety planning and ongoing monitoring
- Detailed Session Reports - Professional documentation of contact sessions
- Court Reports - Expert reports when required for legal proceedings
- Progress Planning - Working toward increased independence in contact arrangements
- Multi-Agency Collaboration - Coordination with legal professionals, child protection services, and other supports
Who Can Benefit?
Family Court and Separated Parents
- Families with court-ordered supervised contact
- Parents seeking to re-establish contact after separation
- Situations involving family violence concerns
- High-conflict separations requiring neutral supervision
- Gradual transition toward independent contact arrangements
Child Protection Involvement
- Families working with Child Safety Services
- Parents working toward reunification with children in care
- Contact as part of case planning and family support
- Sibling contact arrangements
- Extended family contact facilitation
Our Approach
Child-Centered Practice
Your child's safety, wellbeing, and best interests are our highest priority. We use trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate approaches that help children feel safe and supported during what can be a challenging time.
Qualified Professionals
Our service is delivered by qualified clinicians and social workers with specific training and experience in:
- Child-focused assessments
- Family dynamics and trauma-informed practice
- Risk assessment and safety planning
- Cultural competency and inclusive practice
- Family law and child protection contexts
Framework Compliance
We operate in full compliance with the Children's Contact Services Guiding Principles Framework for Good Practice, ensuring we meet all Australian Government operational standards and practice principles.
Cultural Safety
We provide culturally appropriate services for families from all backgrounds, including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families (following the Child Placement Principle)
- Culturally and linguistically diverse families
- LGBTIQ+ families
- Interpreter services when needed
- Cultural consultation and support
What to Expect
Getting Started
- Initial Contact - Speak with our friendly reception team about your needs
- Documentation Review - We'll review any court orders or relevant documentation
- Separate Assessments - Comprehensive intake assessments with all parties
- Service Planning - Development of tailored contact arrangements
- Contact Commencement - Beginning of regular, supervised contact sessions
- Ongoing Review - Regular assessment of progress and adjustment of arrangements
Your First Visit
We understand that starting supervised contact can feel overwhelming. Our team will:
- Orient you and your child to our facilities
- Explain the process clearly and answer your questions
- Ensure everyone feels comfortable and prepared
- Begin building positive relationships from day one
Flexible Supervision Levels
We offer three levels of supervision to match your family's specific needs:
Level 1 - Intensive Supervision Constant, close supervision with frequent intervention as needed. Appropriate for high-risk situations or when contact is being re-established.
Level 2 - Moderate Supervision Regular observation with intervention when necessary. Suitable for families making progress toward independence.
Level 3 - Minimal Supervision Periodic monitoring with families working largely independently. For those preparing to transition to self-managed contact.
Working Toward Independence
Our goal is to support families in developing the skills and confidence to manage contact arrangements independently, where it's safe and appropriate to do so. We provide:
- Clear goals and milestones
- Skills development and support
- Graduated reduction in supervision
- Transition planning and follow-up support
Professional Collaboration
We work closely with:
- Family lawyers and legal representatives
- Family Court professionals and consultants
- Child Safety Services and case workers
- Family support services
- Mental health professionals
- Educational institutions
- Cultural organizations and support services
Location and Accessibility
Our Toowoomba Location 119 Herries Street East, Toowoomba QLD 4350
- Child-friendly facilities designed for comfort and safety
- Separate arrival and departure areas for privacy
- Age-appropriate play and activity areas
- Accessible facilities
- Secure, professional environment
- Free parking available
Operating Hours
- Monday to Friday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
- Weekend appointments available by arrangement
- After-hours emergency contact available
Fees and Funding
We offer transparent, competitive pricing for our Children Contact Service. Fees vary depending on:
- Type and level of supervision required
- Duration and frequency of sessions
- Additional services needed (transport, reports, etc.)
Payment Options
- Private fee-for-service
- Some Legal Aid funding may be available
- Payment plans can be arranged
Please contact our reception team for detailed fee information and to discuss payment options that work for your situation.
Getting Started
If you believe our Children Contact Service could help your family, we encourage you to reach out. We're here to answer your questions, explain the process, and help determine if our service is right for your needs.
Contact Us Today
- Phone: (07) 4639 3367
- Email: reception@magnoliahousepsych.com.au
- Address: 119 Herries Street East, Toowoomba QLD 4350
Our experienced reception team can provide initial information, discuss your situation confidentially, and arrange consultation appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do supervised contact arrangements typically last? This varies greatly depending on individual circumstances, court orders, and progress made. Some families may need only short-term support, while others require longer-term arrangements. We work with each family to develop realistic timelines and goals.
Can both parents be involved in the process? Yes, we encourage involvement from both parents where appropriate and safe. We conduct separate assessments and work with all parties to develop the best arrangements for the children involved.
What happens if there's an incident during contact? We have comprehensive safety protocols and emergency procedures. All incidents are documented, relevant parties are notified immediately, and appropriate action is taken to ensure everyone's safety.
Do you provide reports to the court? Yes, we can provide professional reports for court proceedings when required. These reports are objective, evidence-based, and focus on the best interests of the children involved.
How do I know if supervised contact is right for my family? Our team can help you assess whether our service meets your family's needs during an initial consultation. We'll discuss your situation, explain our services, and help you make an informed decision.
At Magnolia House Psychology and Therapies Centre, we're committed to supporting families through challenging times with professional, compassionate care. Our Children Contact Service is just one way we help families build stronger, healthier relationships.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today to discuss how we can support your family.