When you’re trying to put safe child contact in place after separation, it’s normal to want clear answers: How much will this cost? Where can sessions happen? What rules apply, and who decides them? This FAQ guide walks you through the practical points that matter most, in plain English, so you know what to expect and how to plan.
If you’re new to the process, it can help to start with an overview of how Child Supervised Contact Services typically works, and then use the FAQs below to fill in the details.
Costs and payment FAQs
How much does supervised contact cost?
Fees depend on what you need and how your contact is set up, but CAR’s published minimum supervised contact rate is £65 per hour + VAT. If you require written session notes (often called contact logs), these are listed at £65 + VAT.
Is VAT included in the prices?
VAT is payable at 20% on services, so you’ll want to factor that into your overall budget (especially if you’re comparing providers).
Are there extra costs on top of the session time?
There can be, depending on the complexity of your situation and practicalities like travel. CAR’s terms set out travel time at £25 per hour and mileage at 50p per mile where applicable. Any additional costs (for example, if exceptional circumstances required a hotel stay) should be discussed and agreed in advance.
When do you need to pay?
CAR’s terms state fees are payable no later than 7 days in advance of upcoming sessions (unless an exception is agreed beforehand). This helps keep sessions consistent and avoids last-minute disruption for children.
What happens if someone cancels?
There’s a 72-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel with at least 72 hours’ notice, a full refund is available. Less than 72 hours’ notice may reduce the refund, and cancellation with less than 24 hours’ notice/on the day can mean the full fee remains payable by the paying client.
Can you give me an exact quote before we start?
Yes. A sensible next step is a pre-referral enquiry so you can understand likely costs based on your order/recommendations, frequency, and the type of reporting required. CAR invites you to email for a fee quotation and availability via the Referrals route.
Location and travel FAQs
Where do supervised contact sessions take place?
CAR provides a community-based service rather than operating from a contact centre. That can include settings such as community venues and, where appropriate, the non-resident parent’s home—depending on risk, suitability, and what’s been agreed. See Contact Services for examples of how community venues can be used.
Which areas do you cover?
CAR commonly operates around Greater Manchester and Cheshire, and the site also references operating around Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside, with flexibility to support families outside these areas in line with resources. For many families, this means sessions can be planned to reduce unnecessary travel and keep routines stable for children.
Do you only work in Manchester?
No. Manchester is a core area, but support can be provided across neighbouring regions too. If you’re working under a court order, you may also want to read Court Ordered Supervised Contact for how location and structure are planned around the order and safeguarding needs.
Rules, boundaries, and “how it works” FAQs
Who sets the rules for supervised contact?
Rules usually come from a combination of (1) any court order, (2) professional recommendations (for example from CAFCASS or social services), and (3) the provider’s risk/needs assessment and contact plan. CAR describes a structured approach that includes reviewing documents, assessing risk, agreeing a tailored plan, running supervised sessions, and producing feedback/reports where required.
What does “supervision” actually mean in practice?
During supervised contact, the visiting/non-resident parent typically remains responsible for the child’s care during the session (including personal care if needed), while the supervisor is present to observe, monitor, and help ensure the session stays safe and appropriate. Written summaries can be produced to inform planning or provide evidence for court.
Do you supervise in a contact centre?
CAR’s FAQs state they do not operate from a contact centre; they provide a community-based service instead.
Can you step down from supervised to supported contact?
Often, yes—where it’s safe and appropriate. CAR offers supported contact as a step-down approach where supervision is lighter (the worker may remain available without observing the entire session). This tends to be considered once contact is more settled and risk is lower. For options, see Contact Services.
What about handovers if you can’t be in the same place as the other parent?
Handovers can be a major flashpoint, so a managed handover arrangement can reduce stress for you and, more importantly, for your child. CAR lists a handover service designed to prevent separated parents having to meet and to minimise conflict.
Are there rules about photos, gifts, food, or who can attend?
These details are usually agreed in advance and should reflect the court order (if there is one), safeguarding requirements, and what’s in your child’s best interests. In practice, they form part of the “ground rules” within a contact plan—so everyone knows what is and isn’t allowed before a session begins.
Court involvement, reporting, and referrals FAQs
Can supervised contact be arranged without going to court?
Yes. While many arrangements are made under court direction or professional instruction, CAR also notes that parents can self-refer to avoid lengthy and expensive court processes, where appropriate. The starting point is usually Referrals.
Do you write reports or provide notes for solicitors/CAFCASS/court?
Where required, CAR provides clear, factual notes or reports for professionals. This is referenced across their supervised contact descriptions, especially where the court needs independent observations before making longer-term decisions.
Do you give legal advice?
No. CAR’s FAQs are clear that they can support you with information based on social work expertise, but formal legal advice is the remit of a family lawyer.
How do you keep things fair and neutral?
The service emphasises neutrality and child-focused practice. CAR describes supervisors staying professional and independent, helping reduce disputes and keeping communication clear—especially important when emotions are running high. If you want the “why” behind the approach, see
Safeguarding, privacy, and complaints FAQs
Are supervisors DBS checked?
CAR states their team includes trained, DBS-checked supervisors with experience in child protection and family law settings, and they aim to align safeguarding procedures with UK guidance.
Where can I read about safeguarding and how concerns are handled?
You can review CAR’s published Safeguarding Policy for an outline of safeguarding commitments and the framework they work within.
How is my data handled?
If you’re sharing personal information (and you usually will be), it’s worth reading the Privacy Policy so you understand what data is collected, why it’s collected, and how it’s managed.
What if I’m unhappy with the service or need to raise a concern?
You can use the Complaints Policy to understand how to raise issues and what the process looks like.
Next steps
If you’re ready to get clear, child-focused supervised contact in place, start by reviewing Terms and Conditions so you understand fees and practical rules, then submit your details through Referrals or get in touch directly via Contact.