Frequently asked questions

lear and practical information to help parents and legal representatives understand our role and services. These questions address common enquiries about supervised family time, referrals, fees, and procedures. Our aim is to support transparent, informed, and appropriate engagement with Olivian Family Services.

1. What services does Olivian Family Services provide?

Olivian Family Services provides independent supervised family time and supervised changeover services in accordance with Family Court, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia orders, parenting plans, or private agreements where appropriate.

We do not provide counselling, therapy, legal advice, or mediation services.

2. Who can refer to Olivian Family Services?

Referrals may be made by:

  • The Family Court or Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

  • Solicitors

  • Independent Children’s Lawyers

  • Parents or legal guardians (subject to suitability assessment)

All services are subject to intake screening and acceptance.

3. Is Olivian Family Services independent and neutral?

Yes. Olivian Family Services operates as an independent and neutral service provider.

We do not advocate for either parent and do not take instructions from one party over another. Our role is to observe, supervise, and report objectively, prioritising the safety and wellbeing of the child.

4. Are court orders required before services can begin?

Yes.
Where services are court-ordered, a current and operative copy of the relevant court orders must be provided before services commence.

For private arrangements, Olivian Family Services reserves the right to request written confirmation of agreed arrangements or decline services where suitability concerns exist.

5. What happens during supervised family time?

During supervised family time:

  • A trained supervisor is present at all times

  • Interactions are observed for safety and compliance

  • Boundaries and conditions outlined in court orders or agreements are enforced

Supervised sessions are child-focused and structured to ensure safety, not to assess parenting capacity.

6. Are reports or notes provided to the Court?

Olivian Family Services may:

  • Maintain internal session notes

  • Prepare reports only where requested by the Court or authorised in writing

We do not provide informal opinions or advocacy letters. All reporting is factual, objective, and within scope.

7. Will information be shared with the other parent?

No information is shared with the other parent unless:

  • Both parties have provided written consent, or

  • Disclosure is required by law, court order, or subpoena

Confidentiality is maintained at all times within legal obligations.

8. What if there is an Intervention Order or safety concern?

Olivian Family Services accepts referrals involving Intervention Orders or safety concerns only where it is safe and appropriate to do so.

All matters are subject to risk assessment. Services may be declined, suspended, or terminated if safety risks cannot be appropriately managed.

9. What happens if a session needs to be cancelled?

At least 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule a session.

Failure to provide adequate notice may result in the full session fee being charged, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

10. Who is responsible for paying the fees?

Fee responsibility must be clearly identified prior to commencement.

Services will not commence until:

  • Payment arrangements are confirmed, and

  • Any required deposits or pre-payments are received

Fee disputes between parents are not managed by Olivian Family Services.

11. What if a child refuses to participate in supervised time?

If a child refuses to participate:

  • The supervisor will respond in a calm, child-focused manner

  • The session may be paused or terminated if required

Olivian Family Services does not compel children to participate and will act in accordance with child safety principles.

12. Can sessions be extended or changed?

Changes to session duration, frequency, or structure:

  • Must comply with court orders or written agreements

  • Are subject to availability and suitability assessment

Requests should be made in writing.

13. Can Olivian Family Services refuse or end services?

Yes. Olivian Family Services reserves the right to:

  • Decline referrals

  • Suspend or terminate services

This may occur where:

  • Safety concerns arise

  • Court orders are breached

  • Fees are unpaid

  • Behavior is abusive, threatening, or non-compliant

14. Is Olivian Family Services an emergency service?

No.
Olivian Family Services is not an emergency service.
If there is an immediate safety concern, contact emergency services on 000.

15. How do I make an enquiry or apply for services?

You may submit an application through our website or contact us directly.

Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance of services.

Get Started

If you are seeking supervised family services, the first step is to complete our application form.
All applications are assessed to ensure suitability, safety, and compliance with relevant court orders before services commence.