My Family Pod

Supported & Supervised Contact: Expert Guidance for Separated Families

Myerson Solicitors Season 1 Episode 14

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0:00 | 27:28

In this episode of My Family Pod, Sarah Whitelegge, Legal Director in the Family Team at Myerson Solicitors, is joined by Elaine Stokes, Director of Child Arrangement Resolutions, to discuss how specialist social work support can help families navigate child contact arrangements following separation.

Together, they explore how supported and supervised contact arrangements work, when they may be needed, and how bespoke, child-focused interventions can help rebuild relationships, reduce conflict, and support positive outcomes for children.

The conversation also covers the role of independent social workers, Section 7 reports, high-conflict parenting situations, relocation cases, safeguarding concerns, and practical ways families can be supported both inside and outside of court.

Whether you are a separated parent, family professional, or simply looking to better understand child arrangement issues, this episode offers practical insight into how the right support can help families move forward.


In this episode, we discuss:

  • What supported and supervised child contact means
  • How community-based and virtual contact arrangements work
  • Common misconceptions about supervised contact
  • The role of independent social workers in family proceedings
  • What Section 7 reports are and when they may help
  • Supporting children where relationships have broken down
  • Managing safeguarding concerns and high-conflict parenting
  • Helping children maintain relationships safely
  • Supporting handovers and reducing parental conflict
  • Relocation cases and assessing a child’s best interests
  • How early intervention may help families avoid lengthy court proceedings


Guest
Elaine Stokes

Director - Child Arrangement Resolutions

https://childarrange.com/


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Learn more about Myerson Family Law: https://www.myerson.co.uk/personal/family-law