Supervised Contact Services

 

Family Hopes will facilitate a location that is child focus and agreed to by both parents.

Being a remote agency, rather than a centre strengthens the relationship in a natural setting, child/ren can enjoy normal activities instead of being restrict to one location.

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Changeovers should only occur with one parent being present. Non-vising parent is to be restrained from attending after the visit has commenced, unless written approval, If a parent crosses path with intent the visit will be terminated.

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Parents must agree to follow all directions in relation to arrival, parking, and entry to nominated location, this will ensure that the supervisor will be able to manage and distress upon arrival or departure.

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Only parties to the proceeding are to attend supervised visits, unless agreed in writing. If you would like another person to attend the other party must agree, and they must undergo an intake assessment, charges will apply accordingly.

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If a parent attempts to remove a child/ren from the premises during a supervised visit the police will be contacted.

Family Hopes must remain within visual distance, and hearing distance, to hear all conversations.

 

All conversations will be documented.

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Family Hopes will supervise all toileting and personal hygiene of child/ren not able to do this independently.

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FAMILY HOPES will intervene if conversations between a parent and child/ren may be distressing for the child/ren (e.g., regarding court-related matters, living arrangements, Slanders the other parent). If either parent slanders the other parent visit is to be cancelled immediately.

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Family Hopes reserved the right to discontinue the visit and review the use of the service if the child/ren are consistently unwilling to participate, and display distress, or are in physical, psychological, or emotional harm.

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FAMILY HOPES has right to refuse service to persons who appear affected by alcohol or drugs. E.g., if they smell of alcohol, have slurred speech, red eyes or motor skills are visibly diminished.

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Family HOPES will not allow unauthorized people to pick up child/ren. Authorization by the parent is required before child/ren will be permitted to leave with a person other than a parent. A Photo ID will be requested and photocopied for the file.

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FAMILY HOPES will terminate visits if anyone displays violent, threatening, or other unacceptable behaviour, either verbal or physical.

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FAMILY HOPES is unable to pass items/messages from one parent to another, unless they are specifically related to the child/ren’s immediate wellbeing (i.e., medical, bruises/marks, accidents, and falls.

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FAMILY HOPES restrict presents and gifts unless it is a special occasion. Gifts and cards are to be opened with a supervisor member present.

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Reports will include all information verbal and non-verbal observations. FAMILY HOPES are required to report child abuse of any form to the relevant agency for the care and protection of child/ren.

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Parents must turn off their mobile phones, during visits.

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Orders/agreements/variations of orders/agreements must be provided to Family Hopes prior to commencement.

No legal documents must not be served during visits.

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Family Hopes will only speak directly with parents, guardians, legal representatives or nominated agent of the parent in matters regarding use of this service.

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Family Hopes will not provide any legal advice relating to your family law matter and will not conduct in any discussions.

Drug/Alcohol testing is to be discussed prior to commencement of service.

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English language must only be used.

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Parents must inform Family Hopes if the child/children/parents, have an infectious/contagious illness, a medical clearance must be provided.

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24 hours’ notice, where possible, of any service use cancellation with reasons for non-attendance. If you are unable to predict the cancellation, within a 4-hour cancellation prior to the commencement.

 

Charges will still apply. If, after 15 – 20 minutes, neither party has not arrived, Family Hopes will attempt to make contact. If contact cannot be made, Family Hopes reserves the right to cancel the visit.

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Parents must abide by strict arrival times and strict departure times.

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Family Hopes will not assume liability for accident or injury to child/ren as the onus of the child/ren is the responsibility of the parent(s).

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FAMILY HOPES services agreement, if issues occur, must be reviewed.

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Parents must agreement to all terms and conditions stated in this service agreement before visits can commence.