Community & Business
19 October, 2021
New contact centre creates safe space for local children
A NEW children’s contact centre has recently opened its doors to the public being the fi rst and only such purpose-built facility of its kind on the Tablelands.
A NEW children’s contact centre has recently opened its doors to the public being the first and only such purpose-built facility of its kind on the Tablelands.
Better Together Community Support opened the new facility Thursday last week to provide a child-focused, safe space where children and parents experiencing separation can connect to establish or maintain relationships.
The centre is fully staffed by professional social workers, trained in observing family dynamics and ensuring both the child and parent’s care, privacy and security.
The services provided by the centre include supervised visits for children with their nonresidential parent (both on and off -site), overseeing changeovers between parents sharing the care of their children, family law court reports and further referrals to appropriate services.
At all times, the child’s wellbeing and safety is prioritised. Better Together Community Support CEO John Russell said that many families have experienced times when changeovers have happened out in public in car parks or fast food venues.
“There is a great need for a contact centre,” he said.
“Family breakdown is common and undoubtedly a great stressor on anyone.
“There are many families who have been in the unfortunate position of performing changeovers and drop-off s for their children in public car-parks or fast-food restaurants as they are unable to find a neutral party or a place with appropriate facilities on the Tablelands.”
While there is a cost associated with this service, the money will be used to help keep the service running and help Better Together put forward a case to apply for potential grant funding or sponsorship.
Mr Russel believes that by providing a safe neutral place, it benefits not only the parents but the children as well.
“By providing an organised and calm environment for all parties, we can focus on the wellbeing of the child, which is ultimately the goal for all parents during this process,” he said.
“Our other goal it to support families to the point where they don’t need us, and they can maintain a positive relationship on their own.”
Families engaged with the Family Law Court or who may have parenting agreements in place can also benefit from accessing the centre as well as changeover of care for children between parents.
The centre also features a comprehensive security system and safety measures with 24/7 monitoring as well as complying with Australian standards. The new centre is located at 38 Mabel Street in Atherton.
