Children’s Contact Service

The Children’s Contact Service provides a safe and neutral space for children to spend time with their parents after separation.

Spending time with both parents can feel challenging, especially during periods of change or uncertainty. We support you and your family to manage visits and handovers in ways that reduce stress and help these moments feel calmer, safer, and more positive for everyone involved.

If there has been time apart, we can help you to rebuild contact gradually. Your child is welcome to visit the centre beforehand to become familiar with the space, helping them feel more comfortable and at ease. We also work with both parents to plan and prepare for visits, so everyone feels clear and supported. Our centre is welcoming and secure, with toys, games, and activities designed to create a positive experience for your child.

5 Steps to Accessing the Children’s Contact Service:

• Step 1: Contact – One parent calls the Children’s Contact Service and completes a short telephone intake.

• Step 2: Parental agreement – The Children’s Contact Service will contact the other parent by letter or phone to seek agreement to use the service. If both parents agree, they proceed to step 3.

• Step 3: Intake Assessment Interview – The Children’s Contact Service will arrange an intake interview. This is to assess the suitability of our service and understand and sign the CCS service agreement. Please refer to the ‘Times’ tab on the Tas Family Law Pathways website or call a Children’s Contact Service for wait times for an intake interview. When both parties have completed an Intake Interview, they proceed to step 4.

• Step 4: Child Orientation Assessment – The Children’s Contact Service will arrange an intake interview. This is to assess the suitability of our service and understand and sign the CCS service agreement. Please refer to the ‘Times’ tab on the Tas Family Law Pathways website or call a Children’s Contact Service for wait times for an intake interview. When both parties have completed an Intake Interview, they proceed to step 4.
  
  
• Step 5: Contact Arrangements Commence- With agreement from both parties visits or changeovers commence following a successful child orientation session.

We do not want cost to be a barrier to accessing support. If you have any questions about fees, please speak with your practitioner before making a payment.

This program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

Here’s how a supervised visit works

Here’s what a changeover looks like