The Children’s Contact and Changeover program provides Supervised Visits and Changeovers to assist families experiencing challenges in managing contact after separation. Facilitated in a neutral environment, the program prioritises the well-being and best interests of children and focuses on nurturing positive parent-child relationships by offering support to parents as they work towards independently managing contact arrangements.

 Supervised Visits

Visits are facilitated in our dedicated contact spaces equipped with toys, play equipment, books, and crafts supplies, along with an outdoor play area. Contact spaces also have a kitchen and tea/coffee-making facilities. A family worker will be present for the duration of the visit. If reports are required, they can be requested prior to the visit and is $50 per report.

 Changeovers

Family Workers facilitate the transfer of a child or children from one parent to another, without the parents needing to come into contact at all.

FAQs

Program Suitability

For families to be eligible for the program, the following criteria are considered:

• Both parties are willing to participate in the program and complete the required paperwork.
• Both parties are committed to following the program guidelines and the terms outlined in the Service Agreement.
• Children (0-18 years) are willing to engage in the program, and participation is in their best interest.
• Alternative contact arrangements are unsafe, inappropriate, or ineffective.
• Domestic and Family Violence is a concern.
• Care and Protection Orders relating to the child/children are not in place.
• Parenting/Court Orders or referral from a legal practitioner is NOTa requirement to utilise this program.
• Self-referrals are accepted, and the use of the service is based on mutual agreement between parties.
• Family Violence Orders (FVO), Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVO) or criminal charges will NOTnecessarily exclude families from the program.

Operating Hours and Locations

ACT

Monday to Sunday, 9am – 5pm

Moruya, NSW

Thursday to Sunday, 9am – 5pm

We are closed on public holidays, Easter long weekend and the week between Christmas and New Year.

Fees

The Department of Social Services subsidises this program, however, a co-contribution fee is applicable. Financial assistance is available, including concession and fee waivers – please ask us.

Waitlist

Please email [email protected] or call us at 02 6162 5800 for updated waitlist times.

Generally, the service is booked to capacity, so clients should anticipate placement on the waitlist until a place is available. In the interest of fairness and to support equal access to our services, we do not prioritise cases, and there isn’t a separate fee-for-service waitlist.

Registration does not imply that your case has been placed on the waitlist. To be placed on the waitlist, both parties are required to submit all requested forms and documents.

Communication will primarily be through email. Regularly checking your email, including spam/junk folders, is advised. For case status enquiries, contact us at [email protected] or 02 6162 5800.

Registration and Referral

We welcome direct enquiries from parents and carers as well as referrals from other professionals.

Please complete the registration form found here  and return it to [email protected]. Alternatively, we can arrange an appointment to complete the registration over the phone or in person at our Narrabundah office.

For further information, please email [email protected] or call 02 6162 5800.