What is Supervised Contact?

Supervised contact lets a child spend safe, structured time with a parent in situations where risk has been identified.

22 March 2026 4 min read

Supervised contact is contact between a child and a parent (or other family member) that takes place in the presence of a trained supervisor.

Why is it ordered?

Because the court or local authority has identified a risk that means contact shouldn't take place unsupervised, yet, but the child's relationship with the parent should be supported.

What does the supervisor do?

Maintains the agreed ground rules, ensures the child's wellbeing throughout, and produces a factual record of the session.

Is it permanent?

Not usually. The aim is often to build evidence that supports a move toward supported or unsupervised contact, where safe.

Related service

Supervised Contact

Safe, child-centred supervised contact across the UK.

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