History of SCFCC

"WHERE KIDS COME FIRST" is the focus of our supervised contact and changeover service for children and parents. The residential and non-residential parents do not come into contact during changeover, which means unnecessary conflict between parents is avoided. Our Centre's offer a safe, harmonious and neutral environment, where children can safely develop a positive relationship with their non-residential parent.

Physical interaction between non-residential parents and children are closely monitored. Staff is informed of the basic family history and any specific issues they need to be aware of. Staff, where needed, direct the children and parents in age appropriate play and activities, thereby, passively directing the parents for future contact; this enables the parent to plan activities for their children in advance, increasing their confidence and skills in practical parenting methods.

Commencing initially, in 1995, as a community based service through the commitment and dedication of a number of hard working volunteers. We moved into our existing premises, 'Harmony House' in Cotton Tree in 1998 and since 2003 our outreach service, 'Robbie's Place' at Gympie, has also provided a safe place for contact and changeover. Robbie's Place is an unfunded centre and we rely on donations from the community to keep this service available.

In 2008 and in 2009 the Sunshine Coast Family Contact Centre opened two more children's contact centre's, also named Harmony House, in Caboolture and Hervey Bay.

Since the first Children's Contact Centre was established, we have worked to inform, educate and develop excellent working relationships with a range of service providers including Domestic Violence Centres such as - Suncoast Cooloola Outreach Prevention and Education, Men's Groups, Women's Shelters, mediation organisations such as Lifeline and Centacare, community centre's, churches and local Police. We continue to utilise these collaborative partnerships effectively.