Supervised Family Visits
Spending time with children in a supervised and controlled environment
Private families: supervised contact
Pathfinders NPSS Program is suitable for children, parents, and family members who require supervised family time visits.
We understand that these situations are often contentious and anxiety-inducing for children, the families they live with, and the families they may be visiting.
Our aim is to offer a safe, judgment-free environment for positive family time, while ensuring the safety and comfort of everyone involved.
What are supervised visits?
Supervised visits (also referred to as family time visits) are dedicated times for you to spend with your child/children under the direct supervision of a trained supervisor.
It is the responsibility of the supervisor to ensure the child/children best interests are protected during the visiting time.
I’ve been ordered by the court to have supervised visits with my children – what’s next?
Please complete our enquiry form, and one of our coordinators will be in touch to discuss the next steps and provide a quote. Both parties are required to contact our service before visits can be booked.
If applicable, copies of court orders must be provided.
Do I have to see the other party?
No. Depending on your preferences, we can pick up and drop off the child from your home. Alternatively, you are welcome to transport your child to the visit and hand your child over to the supervisor 15 minutes before the visit to ensure there is no cross over with the other party.
How much does a supervised visit cost? Who pays?
Once the enquiry form is submitted, we will provide an accurate cost per visit. Proof of payment is required no later than one week before the visit. If you’re unable to meet this timeframe, please let us know—our coordinators will support you as best they can.
Typically, the referring party is responsible for the cost, though this will be outlined in your court orders or any other formal arrangement.
Do you have a waitlist?
No, we do not have a waitlist. Our availability will depend on your schedule and that of our staff.
Where do the visits occur?
Visits can occur in the community or in our Pathfinders office, depending on your court orders. Visits are not permitted to occur in private homes.
Ask Pathfinders about Supervised Family Visits
The role of the supervisors
What do the supervisors do during the visits?
The supervisor is responsible for the safety and emotional well-being of the child. They are required to observe all interactions and listen to all communication throughout the visit. If a conversation becomes upsetting or inappropriate for the child, the supervisor will step in and redirect it.
When needed, the supervisor may collect the child and bring them to the agreed meeting point. Supervisors are neutral parties and will not engage in discussions about one party with the other.
Do the supervisors write reports?
Yes. A report is written for each visit and the cost is included in your quote.
Reports are written in a judgment-free, unbiased manner and are provided to the referring party.
While all services include a report, the level of detail may vary based on your requirements.
Please advise in your referral document what level of detail is needed, as this may impact the cost.
Who gets copies of the reports?
Reports are provided only to the referring party. If the other party wishes to access the reports, they will need to issue a subpoena.
What training/qualifications do your staff have?
All supervisors receive extensive training to ensure they adopt a trauma-informed approach when supporting children and families.
We recognise that everyone has their own story, and our goal is to create a judgment-free space for positive, meaningful time with your children.
Will I have the same supervisor each time?
Where possible, we aim to assign the same supervisor for each visit to provide consistency and comfort for children and families.
A child-focused contact service through Pathfinders
Meet and greet the supervisor before the first visit
For the child to feel more comfortable, meet and greets with the supervisors are more then welcome. However please note that there are costs associated with this so let us know that this is something you are after when requesting the quote. Alternatively, we can provide staff profiles that you can share with your child so they know who to expect.
Caring for your child’s needs during the visits
Our supervisors are there to provide support and guidance when necessary, however the needs of the children will be the responsibility of the parent that the children are having the visit with. Parents are welcome and encouraged to bring age appropriate games, toys, food and drinks. If you would like some guidance around what may be appropriate, please let us know. All our offices do have games and activities that are available for use.
What if my child doesn’t want to go to the visit?
We understand that this may be a difficult and nerve-wracking time for children (and their parents). Our supervisors provide appropriate emotional support to ensure that everyone feels as comfortable as possible and ensure that the children are aware that the role of the supervisor is to support positive and safe visits. If we arrive to collect the children and they refuse to go to the visit, our supervisors will do their best to calm the children and provide reassurance, however ultimately, we cannot and will not force children to attend.
Supervised Family Visits with Pathfinders
- No waiting lists
- Professional and clear reports
- Competitive rates
- Multicultural
- Compassionate and trained supervisors
- Child-focused approach
Program Contacts
Pathfinders Non-Placement Support Program
3 Glen Innes Road,
Inverell NSW 2360
Mon – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Phone: 0407446072
Email: npss@pathfinders.ngo