Supervised Access

In certain circumstances the court will decide that an access order will contain a provision that access must be supervised. This means that an adult, other than the parent having access, must be present for the duration of the time the parent and child are together.

Because we believe it is essential to the development of children that where possible they can grow up enjoying a positive relationship with both of their parents, even when they don’t live together, One Family undertook research on this issue.  In partnership with Barnardos, we worked to develop Child Contact Centres which ran as a pilot project from 2011 to 2013 in a number of locations. The project was not mainstreamed after the pilot and the services are now closed. You can read more about that project here.

In Ireland there is no public service system of contact centres to provide a safe place for children of separated parents to meet with one or both parents, even where the court recommends it. This means that often family or friends have to step in to act as supervisors which is not always ideal and can be uncomfortable for everyone involved. There are some private organisations who offer to supervise access. These services are not regulated and it is important that people satisfy themselves that the people offering to undertake this work are suitably qualified and trained, are Garda vetted, and, preferably, are members of a profession regulated by CORU. The cost of these services must be borne by one of the parents or by both parents jointly.

Unfortunately, One Family don’t offer a supervised access service to parents at this time.

However, we are aware of some organisations that may be able to offer supervised access and the names and links to contact information are below:

Men’s Networking Resource Centre, Ballymun: https://mensnetworkingresourcecentre.wordpress.com/supervised-access/ 

Meath Springboard: http://meathspringboardfamilysupportservices.ie/our-services/children-access-support-service/  

Kells Family Resource Centre: http://kellsfrc.ie/ 

Deansrath Family Centre, Clondalkin: https://www.deansrathfamily.ie/  

Time for Us, Galway: https://www.time4us.ie/  

Kerry Community Youth Services: https://kcys.ie/kcys-family-contact-centre/

Please note that One Family is not affiliated with any of these external organisations so we cannot comment on their suitability or recommend them. It is important to ensure that any organisation you may use has appropriately qualified and Garda vetted staff, has a good safeguarding policy in place, and works to professional standards.  It is advisable to seek information on the qualifications and experience of any professional providing supervision of any time with children.

Another option would be to contact your local Family Resource Centre which may be able to point you to services in your area.