FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Supervised Contact?
When parents separate, access visits may be a problem. Sometimes difficulties arise at the time of the exchange of the child between the parents, or between the parent and a relative, such as a grandparent. At other times, there may be concerns about the visits themselves.
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The Supervised Contact Services offers separated families a way to deal with some of these issues. The Guernsey Child Contact Centre provides a setting where visits and exchanges can take place under the supervision of trained staff.
What do Supervised Contact Centres do?
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Provide a safe, neutral and child-centred setting for visits between a child or children and a non-resident parent, carer or relative
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Provide familiar, trained staff who are sensitive to the needs of the child or children
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Provide reports with factual and unbiased observations of contact between children and their parents, carers or family members
Who can use Supervised Contact Centres?
Families can use Supervised Contact if:
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They have a Court Order for supervised visits and exchanges
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Following the referral process where both parties agree in writing to the use of the Supervised Contact Centre
When might Supervised visits occur?
Supervised visits may be appropriate in cases where, for example:
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There are concerns about the safety of the child or children and/or the parent
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The non-resident parent has a drug or alcohol problem
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There has been a lengthy period of separation between the parent and the child or children
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There is a risk of abduction
How do Supervised Contact Centres ensure the safety of families and staff?
Safety measures include:
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Staggered drop off and pick up times
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A staff member on duty at the secure entrance
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Staff will accompany children at all times during visits
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All staff are fully trained and DBC checked
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Enclosed and secure outdoor spaces
Do staff have special skills or training?
Yes. Staff are trained to be aware of issues such as domestic violence, child development, abuse, mental health and substance misuse. Staff must be sensitive to the needs of children, particularly those who are involved in high conflict custody and contact disputes.
Do Supervised Contact Centres make custody and access recommendations?
No. Supervised Contact Centres provide a neutral place for visits and exchanges. Factual and unbiased observations provided by the Supervised Contact Centre may, however, provide information to inform an Assessor in making recommendations.
How will I know what I need to do for the Supervised Contact?
A meeting will be held with you before the Supervised Contact Sessions begin. The referrer will also be at this meeting, along with the manager of the Supervised Contact Centre and the supervisors who will be taking part in the sessions.
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At the meeting all arrangements and the entire process will be explained clearly and any questions answered. You will be required to sign a Contact Agreement Form which will outline dates, times and guidelines for the Supervised Contact.
Where are the Supervised Contact Sessions held?
The Guernsey Child Contact Centre is well maintained and has disabled access, meeting rooms, kitchen and cooking facilities and a secure enclosed outside area.
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The centre is located at the Roseville Community Centre, Petit Bouet, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2BY
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