contact visits that put children first
In the early stages of separation, supervised visits can be an important step in keeping children connected. At Holding Hands Family Services, we create safe, community-based visits in everyday places: parks, libraries, or familiar spaces so children can feel a sense of normalcy while life around them is changing.
Every part of our service is designed to reduce conflict and protect children’s experience: separate meeting points, the quiet presence of trained Contact Workers, and clear visit reports.
Because for us, being #alwayschildfocused isn’t a phrase - it’s our practice.
how contacts visits go
(visiting dads edition)
Download a copy for free by clicking on the image to the left
For many children, contact visits involve new places, new routines, and a number of small unknowns. This story gives them a simple, visual way to see how the visit will unfold, so they are not trying to work it out in the moment.
It walks through the structure of a visit from a child’s perspective, including arriving at the meeting point, being introduced to their helper, spending time with their parent, and how the visit comes to an end. It also gently shows that visits can take place in different settings, and that there is a consistent, supportive presence throughout.
We have also included some of the smaller details that can make a difference to how a visit feels, such as what children can bring with them, what to do if they need a break, and how they can let their helper know if they need anything during the visit.
available regions
We’re here for families in Sydney, the Illawarra, Newcastle, the Central Coast, the Mid North Coast, and Northern Rivers. In each of these regions, our Contact Workers create welcoming, community-based spaces where children can spend safe, supported time with their parents.
We’re continuing to grow carefully into new communities, so that more families can access child-focused support close to home.
our projects
Contact visits are one part of a much bigger journey.
Alongside our work with families, we’ve created a small group of #alwayschildfocused projects that reflect how we consider
post-separation parenting. They’re here to be read, listened to, or visited in your own time.
at the heart of of our #alwayschildfocused approach is our people
Guided by Service Manager Jakki Schwartz, our contact workers bring experience from social work, welfare, and child-focused care. Every team member is carefully trained before meeting their first family, and their learning never stops with ongoing professional development and guest speakers from across the family law sector.
