Services for separated families
Mackay Children’s Contact Service can assist families with parenting arrangements in several ways.
- Changeovers
- On-site supervised contact visits
- Off-site supervised contact visits
- Extended after-school access
- Video chat
Changeovers
Changeovers are when children are calmly moved between their separated parents or other family members by suitably trained staff. The Centre has separate car parks and entrances in Boddington and Hamlet Streets so that parties do not meet.
On-site supervised contact visits
On-site supervised contact visits are two-hour blocks of time that children spend at the Centre with a parent or family member. A supervisor is in attendance at all times to ensure the welfare of the parent and child, in a safe and pleasant environment.
Off-site supervised contact visits
Off-site supervised contact visits occur at a pre-arranged venue away from the Centre with a supervisor present with the family at all times. Off-site visits allow a more flexible parent and child interaction in more normalised surroundings. Off-site supervision is offered only when both parties agree to supervision occurring off-site and it does not conflict with formalised court orders. Supervision is not permitted in the home of clients.
Extended after-school access
Extended after-school hours have been implemented to ensure that after-school contact can be facilitated for the full two-hour duration. The extended hours allow for children travelling to the Centre after the conclusion of school.
Video chat
Video chat via Skype is available to help children stay connected with parents when circumstances make it difficult for face-to-face contact to occur. For example, parents who have relocated away from the family residence may have limited contact with family members.
Fees
An initial $20 registration fee is payable by each parent using the Mackay Children’s Contact Service.
Changeover Fee
$5 per changeover per parent is payable for each changeover.
Supervised Contact Fees
$30.00 per 2-hour visit – Full-time employed
$15.00 per 2-hour visit – Health Care Card Holders