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Supervised Visitation Standards
Court-Ordered Supervised Contact Only – Operated in accordance with Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) guidelines.
Brisbane Children’s Contact Centre Pty Ltd is a boutique, director-led service providing court-ordered supervised contact in a safe, neutral, and professionally monitored environment. We operate in compliance with the standards of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA), Queensland child protection legislation, and best practice guidelines for children’s contact services. These guidelines reflect principles informed by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department and align with the new amendments to the Family Law Act, which strengthen the focus on children's safety, wellbeing, and participation in family law proceedings.
Supervised Contact Standards
During all court-ordered supervised visits, the following standards apply:
• No derogatory or critical comments are to be made about the other parent, carers, extended family members, or siblings in the child’s presence.
• All interactions between the child and the supervised party will occur within the direct sight and hearing of the supervising staff at all times.
• Discussions about legal proceedings or court outcomes are not permitted during visits.
• Children must not be used to pass messages, information, documents, or possessions between parents or other parties.
• Any form of physical punishment, threats, or abuse including verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse is strictly prohibited.
• Visits will not proceed if the visiting party appears to be under the influence of alcohol or illicit substances.
• There is no confidentiality privilege in the supervised setting. Observations and records may be provided to the court or relevant authorities.
• Any concern regarding child safety, will be documented and reported in line with mandatory reporting obligations under Queensland law.
Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Safety Protocols
Where court orders identify a history or risk of domestic and family violence (DFV), Brisbane Children’s Contact Centre Pty Ltd will implement the following additional safety protocols:
• Separate intake interviews with each parent/carer to assess safety risks, protection orders (including DVOs), and relevant history.
• Staggered arrival and departure times or separate access routes to prevent parent-to-parent contact where required.
• Close monitoring of all interactions for signs of coercive control, intimidation, emotional manipulation, or psychological pressure.
• Visits will be immediately suspended or terminated if there are safety concerns or the child becomes acutely distressed.
• No contact will occur at or near any location associated with abuse, including locations connected to prior sexual abuse allegations.
Company Responsibilities and Professional Standards
As the Director of Brisbane Children’s Contact Centre Pty Ltd, I am responsible for:
• Ensuring full compliance with FCFCOA and Queensland legislative requirements.
• Maintaining neutrality and ensuring the child’s best interests are the primary focus at all times.
• Upholding standards in report writing, confidentiality, and document handling as required by court protocol.
Meeting all training obligations in areas such as:
• Child protection and mandatory reporting
• Family violence and coercive control
• Child development
• Cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care
• Keeping accurate records of each visit, including attendance, behaviours observed, any incidents, and actions taken.
Disclaimer
This policy outlines the operational standards of Brisbane Children’s Contact Centre Pty Ltd for court-ordered supervised visitation only. It is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Families are encouraged to seek independent legal advice for guidance on individual matters.
Brisbane Children’s Contact Centre Pty Ltd, 2025