Helping separated parents and children
The Mackay Children’s Contact Service assists families who have been through separation or divorce and are having difficulty managing their parenting arrangements. We offer supervised contact visits and changeovers for children, separated parents and extended family.
Our service helps children to stay connected to members of their family after separation, and we aim to provide a safe and comfortable environment for contact to occur. Our Centre is very well equipped with toys, games and play equipment for children of all ages. We have two-street access in Boddington Street and Hamlet Street for parents to access the Centre and therefore avoid any contact with each other, reducing conflict for both parents and children.
Our services
Mackay Children’s Contact Service can assist families with parenting arrangements in several ways.
- Changeovers
- On-site supervised contact visits
- Off-site supervised contact visits
- Extended after-school access
- Video chat
Please refer to the Services page for information about our services and fees.
Referrals
Clients of the Mackay Children’s Contact Service can self-refer or can be referred by their solicitor, Family Court, community agencies, family or friends.
Initial interviews
Before using our service, both parties are required to book separate appointments for an initial interview. The intake process may take from 45 minutes to an hour.
We ask that any relevant paperwork such as Family Court Orders, Mediation or Parenting Orders, or DVOs be submitted to assist with accurate recording. A photocopy of documents will be held on file for ease of access.
When both parties have completed their intake, then we are able to communicate to both parties the times and days available for contact visits or changeovers to occur. At the initial intake interview we can establish which specific service would best suit your needs.
Contact us in advance
Please contact us before using the service, as you will be required to attend an initial interview and sign an agreement. To help children feel comfortable at the Centre, we ask that they visit us before their first changeover or supervised contact.
You can contact us by phoning 07 4944 1733 or by emailing admin@mackayccs.net.au. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mackayccs. Full contact details are available on the Contact Us page.
Opening hours
Monday: 12:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Alt Thursday: 12:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Alt Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Friday: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Weekend Contact Visit Time Slots:
9:30 am – 11:30 am
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Weekend Changeovers
9:00 am – 4:15 pm
Waiting periods may apply.