the #alwayschildfocused podcast

episode one: welcome to contact

Welcome to contact.

In this episode, Jakki and Ben introduce the Holding Hands approach to supervised contact and explain how children and families are supported throughout the contact journey. They discuss the steps involved in getting started, answer some common questions, and share insights into how contact visits are designed to help children feel safe, comfortable, and supported.

A great first listen for parents who are new to supervised contact and wondering what happens next.

episode two: understanding children’s experience of contact

Children and adults often experience contact very differently.

In this episode, Jakki, Sam and Natalie explore some of the thoughts, feelings, and experiences children may have before, during, and after contact visits. Drawing on their experience supporting children and families in the post-separation space, they discuss why understanding a child's perspective is so important and how parents can better support children throughout the contact journey.

A thoughtful conversation for anyone wanting to better understand contact through a child's eyes.

episode three: what to expect from your intake assessment

Before contact visits begin, it is important for contact services to understand the needs of the children and families they support.

In this episode, Jakki and Sam explain what happens during an intake assessment and why these conversations play such an important role in preparing children for contact. From understanding family circumstances to learning about a child's interests, strengths, and support needs, intake assessments help lay the foundation for positive contact experiences.

A practical introduction to the first step in the Holding Hands contact journey.

episode four: why we meet with children before contact begins

Starting supervised contact can feel unfamiliar for children, which is why preparation is so important.

In this episode, Jakki and Sam explain the purpose of child familiarisation sessions and how they help children feel more confident and supported before their first contact visit. The discussion explores the role of the contact worker, the importance of building connections with children, and how familiarisation sessions help set the foundation for positive contact experiences.

A practical introduction to one of the most important steps in preparing children for contact.

episode five: preparing for your first contact visit

The first contact visit is often one of the most significant steps in the supervised contact journey.

In this episode, Jakki and Sam explore how parents can prepare for that first visit, including managing expectations, drawing on support networks, and helping children feel safe and supported. The discussion highlights the importance of focusing on children's needs while recognising the emotions that parents may also be experiencing.

A thoughtful introduction for families getting ready to take those important first steps.

episode six: reading your first visit report

For many parents, receiving their first visit report can feel unfamiliar and sometimes a little overwhelming.

In this episode, Jakki and Sam explain what visit reports are, what information they contain, and how they are written. They discuss the purpose of observational reporting, what contact workers are documenting during visits, and how parents can better understand the information contained within their reports.

A helpful listen for any parent wanting to better understand the role of visit reports in the supervised contact process.