Supervised Time refers to a neutral and responsible third person (a supervisor) that is appointed to be present when a parent or family member is spending time with a child. The Supervisor is required to always be present, within ear shot and eyesight of the child spending time with a parent or family member and ensure that child is safe at all times.
A supervised contact centre refers to a service that offers a facility and a professional supervisor for parents to attend to see and spend supervised time with their child. Some services only offer professional supervisors who will instead meet you at a mutual location out within the community, such as the shops, a café, or park.
The term Children’s Contact Services is the umbrella term that refers to the different organisations that offer supervised time, whether that is centre based or community based.
In the family law space, children’s contact services are often a suggested means for facilitating time between a child and their non-resident parent when allegations have been made that a child would be at risk of harm in that parent’s care. In order to continue supporting the child’s relationship with that parent, but still ensuring the child’s safety whilst doing so, the parties can agree, or a court can order that such time occur by way of professional supervision.
Aside from protecting against risks of harm to a child, supervised time can also be used to help build relationships between a child and their parent or family member if that relationship is non-existent or has broken down.
Contact services can be used by the parents if they both agree. If there is no agreement between the parties, supervised contact services can also be court ordered during a family law proceeding.
Legislative Changes to Supervised Contact Services
Historically, there has not been a regulatory body governing the operation of children’s contact (CCS). This has lead to inconsistent services and standards at different centres, questioning whether the overall purpose of the service is being met; being to ensure child safety.
New Legislative reforms, in effect from 10 June 2025, have now introduced mandatory accreditation for all children’s contact services. The accreditation requirement will hold every children’s contact service to the same established standards and are subject to regular oversight. Once the accreditation board is established, and accreditation rules in effect, courts will only be able to refer families to accredited Children’s Contact Services. Penalties may also apply for any services that do not comply with the accreditation rules.
It is hoped the new accreditation standards will improve the quality of services across all contact services, enhance the safety of children, and increase general public confidence in the services.
Advantages of using a Children’s Contact Service
1. The primary advantage of using such a service is the assurance of safety. Supervised contact ensures that interactions occur in a controlled environment, minimising the risk of harm, abuse, or trauma for the child.
2. For estranged parents or relatives, contact services can help rebuild trust and connections under guidance, allowing children to re-establish relationships without being overwhelmed.
3. Staff are often trained in conflict resolution, child safeguarding, and trauma-informed care.
4. Most contact services will provide reports of how the time went, which can be used to inform the court about the nature of the child’s relationship with their parent, and whether there continues to be a risk of harm to the child such that supervision should continue.
5. These services can also offer a neutral venue, preventing disputes over who should host visits, or how changeover should occur. This helps to depersonalise arrangements and reduce parental conflict.
Disadvantages of Children’s Contact Services
1. Being observed can feel unnatural for both parent and child. It may hinder genuine interaction, particularly for very young children or those who are shy or anxious.
2. Particularly for parents, using a supervised service can feel stigmatising. Both children and parents may experience embarrassment or distress at needing supervision to maintain a relationship.
3. There are often long waiting lists for contact services, particularly those offering free or subsidised services. This can delay contact and cause frustration for families.
4. Supervised visits are often limited in duration and frequency, which may not be enough to foster a meaningful bond — especially if a parent is trying to rebuild a damaged relationship.
5. Private supervised contact services can be expensive. When not publicly funded, costs may become a barrier for lower-income families, potentially limiting access to needed support.
Why Agree to Supervised Time?
You might be faced with the other parent alleging that you pose a risk of harm to your child, and that you should agree to supervised time. Depending on the circumstances of your case, it may be advised to you to agree to supervised time.
It’s understandable to feel like supervised contact is not warranted, unfair or damaging to your parental identity. By agreeing to supervised time, you are not necessarily accepting the allegations made against you. In fact, it may assist your parenting case at an interim or final hearing to agree to supervised time. Below are some examples of why you might agree to supervised time, and how it may be beneficial to your family law proceedings:
1. It Shows a Willingness to Prioritise your child’s needs
By agreeing to supervised contact, you’re demonstrating that your focus is on your child’s well-being, not on “winning” a legal or personal battle. Courts and professionals take this attitude seriously — it reflects maturity, responsibility, and a child-focused mindset.
2. It Can Rebuild Trust
If there’s been a breakdown in trust (with the other parent, professionals, or the child), supervised contact is a way to rebuild it under safe conditions. Positive, consistent visits can go a long way toward showing that you’re a stable, safe, and caring presence in your child’s life.
3. It Keeps the Door Open
Saying no to supervised contact could result in no contact at all, either pending an interim or final hearing, or after proceedings are finalised. Having no contact with your child could cause harm to your child, and damage to your relationship. Agreeing to supervised contact means maintaining a relationship, even if in a limited form. It also increases the likelihood of supervision being a steppingstone to more open arrangements in the future if the contact goes well.
4. You can use Contact Service Records in Family Law Proceedings
Supervised Contact Services keep records and often provide reports of the time detailing what occurred during each visit. These reports, if positive, can be used in legal proceedings to support an argument that the time increase or the requirement for supervision be removed.
5. A Safe Space to Reconnect
If you’ve been apart from your child for some time, supervised contact provides a structured and supported way to reconnect. This can reduce pressure and help make the transition back into your child’s life smoother and more successful.
6. Professional Support Is Built-In
Supervised settings often include trained staff who can support interactions, help manage emotions and provide guidance.
Written by
Sophie Wilson
Family Law Solicitor
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