Marymead Supported Contact Program

Marymead’s Supported Contact Program provides a venue for supervised contact to take place between children and their non-residential parents.

The program is an independent, impartial service which aims to be fair, friendly and supportive. Staff aim to create a safe and friendly environment where parents and children can come and enjoy their time together. Their focus is on the needs and best interests of the children, as well as supporting parents in identified areas.

How we work
This program provides a safe environment for children to spend time with their non-live-with parent. A brochure is available for parents interested in using the program and for professionals who would like to refer their clients to the program.

Who can use this service?
Parents can self-refer or referrals can be made by the family court or other related services.

The following criteria are considered:

• Both parents are willing to use the program and abide by the program’s guideline and individual service agreements
• Other arrangements are not working or inappropriate
• Children want to be in the program and will benefit from it
• Children are under 12 where there are no older siblings
• Domestic violence is an issue
• There are no child protection orders

Who can use this service?
In this program Supported Contact is provided for children who are living in foster care or with an extended family member. Child protection orders exist. Most referrals are made through the ACT Office for Youth and Family Support however other child protection agencies can make referrals.

Location of visits
Supervised visits between children and their parents and extended families are held at the Marymead Contact Centre or in the community or the parents’ home.

Our focus
The aim of this program is to provide a safe environment for children where they can spend quality time with their biological family.