Marymead Contact Program
About the Program
Marymead Contact Program provides a venue for supervised contact and changeovers 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.
How we work
There are two sub programs:
1. Children’s Contact and Changeover Service
This program provides a safe environment for children to spend time with their non-live-with parent and to move from parent to parent without being exposed to ongoing parental conflict. Parents using the service agree to certain conditions which ensure that they do not meet each other.
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
• Current contact orders exist
Hours of Service/Location
ACT
9.00am-5pm Tuesday – Friday
9.00am -2pm Saturdays
3.00-6pm Sundays
The centre operates from Narrabundah.
Moruya, NSW South Coast
Fridays and Sundays.
Supervised visits are usually arranged for up to two hours per fortnight. Changeovers occur within the hours of operation. We do not provide any services on public holidays.
Fees
No fees apply
2. Supervised contact as requested by Child Protection agencies
Who can use this service?
In this program supervised 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.
Fees
Fee for service from Government referral agencies.
Funding Bodies
The Australian Government Family and Housing, Community and Indigenous Affairs
The ACT Office for Children, Youth and Family Support and the NSW Department of Community Services on a fee for service basis.
