Supervised Contact

KidzKare

KidzKare is a supervised contact service providing safe, structured time for children and parents to connect.

We offer supervised contact in Tauranga at our home-like centre with a backyard and jungle gym, and we also facilitate sessions in Rotorua. Families can access the service privately or may be eligible for funding through Oranga Tamariki or the Family Court of New Zealand.

KidzKare is independent and impartial, with children’s safety and best interests as the priority. Our fully vetted supervisors are trained in child protection, first aid, trauma awareness, de-escalation and privacy legislation. Each service is tailored to the child’s developmental needs, culture and family circumstances.

We are registered with the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Supervised Contact Services and hold Level 2 Ministry of Social Development accreditation.

Email [email protected] or phone 027 919 9502 or 07 571 0379 for enquiries.

Courts order supervised contact when it is in the best interests of the children. Supervised contact is often mandated in situations where it is considered a parent’s past behaviour puts a child’s safety in question. Circumstances for which supervision might be ordered include past allegations of violence or abuse, either toward the parent or child, substance abuse, or neglect.

Supervised contact may also be ordered in cases where a parent is re-entering a child’s life after a period without contact.

Children benefit from having strong, healthy relationships with both parents. When families go through separation, maintaining those connections can take time and care.

Supervised contact provides a safe, supportive environment where parents and children can spend time together and strengthen their relationship. With clear boundaries and guidance in place, it helps create positive, child-focused interactions.

Professional supervision gives parents the opportunity to rebuild trust, grow confidence in their parenting, and develop a stable, ongoing connection with their children.

It’s normal to have mixed feelings about supervised contact, especially at the start. With the right mindset and a bit of preparation, these visits can become a positive and meaningful time for both you and your child.

Taking a few moments beforehand to get into a calm, focused frame of mind can make a real difference. The aim is to make the most of your time together and keep the focus on your child.

Supervised visits are an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company and build your connection. Thinking ahead about your child’s interests can help. Bringing one or two simple activities you can share together often makes the time more relaxed and engaging. If you’re unsure, we can offer ideas to help you plan.

Remember to:

Commit to the visiting schedule, attend every visit and be on time. Circumstances do arise when you might not be able to attend but ensure that you communicate and changes to us well in advance of the visit. Add the schedule to the calendar on your phone with a reminder.

Factor in commute time so you arrive on time.

Give yourself space after a visit, don’t book appointments or have commitments as this can make the time with your child feel rushed and stressful.

Keep changes to a minimum. Children thrive on consistency. Familiar routines, people, and patterns help them feel safe and settled. Keeping things predictable from one visit to the next supports their sense of security and makes it easier for them to relax and connect with you.

Have fun!

As the caregiver, your role in preparing your child for supervised contact is key to helping them feel safe, supported, and ready for time with their parent.

Talk about the visit in advance so your child knows what is happening and what to expect. If they are old enough, a simple calendar can help them understand when they will see their parent and how often visits will occur.

Children feel more secure when things are clear and predictable. Consistent routines help them settle more easily and focus on the time they are spending with their parent.

Keep all conversations about the visit positive, supportive, and child-focused. This helps the child feel confident, reduces worry, and allows them to engage more fully and comfortably in the time with their parent.

Remember to:

  • Support your child in their efforts to build a relationship with the parent by speaking positively about their time together.
  • It can be difficult at times, but focusing on your child’s needs and wellbeing is important. Encourage them to look forward to the visit in a way that helps them feel safe, supported, and able to enjoy their time with their parent.
  • After dropping off your child do something enjoyable and relaxing for yourself, visit a friend, a cafe or just sit quietly and read a book.
  • When the visit ends and your child is back in your care, give them space to share their experience if they want to. Listen without questioning or trying to gather details. Let them speak freely, and accept that they may choose to say a lot, a little, or nothing at all.

Practice some self-care.