Preparing an adult or sibling for supervised contact with a child they are not able to live with or have not seen for an extended period of time, is crucial to ensure that the visit goes smoothly and is in the best interest of the child. Here are some tips we recommend.
Understand the purpose
The first step for the adult or sibling, is to understand the purpose of supervised contact. This may be a court-ordered arrangement, or an arrangement set up after a long period of seeing each other. The adult or sibling should acknowledge this and be committed to making the experience positive for the child.
Review the guidelines
Familiarise themselves with the contact centre’s guidelines: the adult or sibling should read and understand all the rules and procedures of the contact centre to ensure they comply with them during the visit.
Maintain a positive attitude
Maintain a positive and respectful attitude: encourage the adult or sibling to approach the visit with a positive mindset, understanding that the child's comfort and safety are the top priorities for everyone involved on the day.
Communication
Communicate with the child's other parent or caregiver: if possible and appropriate, establish open and respectful communication with the person the child is living with, to ensure everyone is working together as best as possible regarding the supervised contact arrangements.
Follow the rules
Comply with all contact centre rules: the adult or sibling must adhere to the centre’s guidelines, including arrival and departure times, appropriate behaviour, and any other requirements.
Prepare topics of discussion
Plan appropriate topics of conversation: Encourage the adult or sibling to think about conversation topics that are child-friendly and not related to conflicts or legal matters. Focus on the child's interests and experiences.
Be respectful
Respect the contact centre staff: treat the contact centre staff with courtesy and respect, as they are there to ensure the safety and well-being of everybody who visits the centre.
Stay child-centered
Keep the focus on the child: the adult or sibling should make the visit about spending quality time with the child rather than discussing adult issues or disputes.
Be patient
Be patient and understanding: understand that the child may have mixed emotions about the visit and may need time to adjust to the new arrangement. The adult or child should be patient and allow the child to feel comfortable.
Seek professional help
Seek professional support if needed: if the adult visiting a child for supervised contact has any concerns about their behaviour, emotions or the visitation process, they should consider seeking the guidance of a therapist, counsellor or support group.
Maintain consistency
Be consistent with visitation: if the visits are scheduled regularly, maintain consistency and punctuality to help the child feel secure.
It's essential for the adult or sibling to understand that the supervised contact is primarily about the child's well-being. By following these guidelines and demonstrating a commitment to creating a positive and safe environment for the child, parents and siblings can make the supervised contact experience more comfortable and constructive for both them and the child.