What is the Children’s Contact Services (CCS)

The CCS offers a safe and supported environment for children to have contact with and stay connected to their families following a family separation or family breakdown.

We take care in creating an environment that allows children to have meaningful interactions with their visiting family member.

We offer a well-resourced, child and family friendly space; with the focus on ‘children’s well-being and safety’ during visits and changeovers.

 

What Happens During A Supervised Visit?

• During supervised visits, CCS staff take observational notes of the interactions between the children and their family member. This is carried out discreetly and respectfully.

•Children arrive 15minutes earlier than the visiting family member. In this time children can engage with the support worker, and CCS workers through play and/or conversations.

•The focus during contact is on children’s well-being and safety. CCS staff monitor interactions between children and their family member and offer support and guidance where necessary.

•The visiting parent leaves 15minutes before the child is picked up. This ensures time to debrief and prepare to go home after a visit.

•Visits run for up to 2 hours and are scheduled for:

 10:00am to 12:00pm OR 2:00pm to 4:00pm

 

What Happens During a Changeover?

• Like a supervised visit, children arrive 15minutes prior to the transition to the other family member.

• CCS staff document interactions between children and their family member during the changeover.

• The changeover is scheduled for 30minutes.

• We facilitate supervised contact and changeovers on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Children’s Contact Service, Wagga Wagga

 

Children’s Contact Services Fees

 

Waiting Period

Waitlist - Our waitlist are subject to change throughout the year, with families typically waiting between 3 to 6 motnh’s for visits.

Supervised visits - As of March2025, the CCS have immediate availability for visits.

  • Visits run for up to 2 hours and are scheduled fortnightly or monthly for 3 months at a time.

  • Visits run on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Children Change Overs - Availability - As of March 2025, The CCS have immediate availability for changeovers.

  • The CCS facilities change overs 7 days a week.

* All referrals for Children’s Contact Service please contact Relationships Australia Canberra and Region (Wagga Wagga ) on 02 69239100

 

Common Questions

Can the CC provide “legal advice”?

No. We offer families guidance and support, referring families to other agencies for Legal Advice.

Is the CCS bound by Family Court Orders?

The CCS are not party to orders, The CCS determine suitability for each family to engage with out service. We do our best to support orders, however “time spent” can often differ due to service availability and scheduling.

Who determines what family member’s attend visits?

We have an ‘Approved persons” process, which consists of determining suitability, both parents agreement, and any orders in place.

Do the CCS make the decision for when contact should move to unsupervised time?

No. The CCS provide a 6 month service, with support and guidance for families to engage in other services, such as Family dispute Resolution or Legal Advice to reach an agreement about the next steps/self managed contact arrangements.

How do fmailies engage with the CCS?

Families can self refer, be court ordered, community service referral with consent of client, or a parenting plan.

Is there a cost involved?

Yes, We provide subsided fees for families. Fees are to be paid prior to contact facilitation.

Can grandparents visit their grandchildren?

Yes, Grandparents can engage with the CCS for the purpose of supervised contact or changeovers.

Do the CCS provide “ reports” regarding contact?

No. However, the CCS respond to the Subpoenas from a legal representative, for the purpose of the family court hearings.