Supervised Contact Query
The client, located in Wales, is a registered sex offender on licence and is inquiring about the potential for supervised contact with their 16-year-old daughter. There are currently no court orders preventing contact with the daughter. However, the client's licence conditions include restrictions such as not residing in the same household with any child under 18 without prior approval from a supervising officer and not having unsupervised contact with children under 18. The client is required to comply with conditions set by the supervising officer, including notifying them of any developing relationships. Any contact with the daughter would require the prior approval of the supervising officer due to these conditions.
Questions about this case
These answers have been verified by a lawyer in the LEAP networkAm I allowed to have supervised contact with my daughter who is 16 years old?
Under your licence conditions, having supervised contact with your daughter may be possible, provided you obtain prior approval from your supervising officer. The condition that prohibits unsupervised contact with children under 18 does allow for contact with prior approval. Since no court orders specifically prevent contact with your daughter, the main step is securing your supervising officer's approval. It's crucial to have a clear supervision plan in place that satisfies any safety concerns they may have.
What specific conditions or restrictions might be placed on my licence that could affect my ability to have contact with my daughter?
Your licence conditions indicate specific restrictions that may impact your contact with your daughter. Notably, you cannot have unsupervised contact with children under 18 without the prior approval of your supervising officer. Supervised contact with your daughter may be permitted, but you'll need this approval beforehand. Additionally, you must report any developing personal relationships with individuals living with children under 18 to your supervising officer.
Are there any legal steps I need to take to arrange supervised contact with my daughter given my status?
To arrange supervised contact with your daughter, you must first obtain the approval of your supervising officer, as required by your licence conditions. It is essential to demonstrate that any planned contact will be appropriately supervised to ensure compliance with the restrictions outlined in your licence. Engaging a family solicitor or mediator experienced in such cases may facilitate the process.
Could the absence of a court order affect my rights or responsibilities regarding contact with my daughter?
The absence of a court order does not eliminate responsibilities or restrictions set by your licence conditions. The licence explicitly prohibits unsupervised contact with children under 18 without prior approval from your supervising officer. Failure to comply could result in legal consequences, including potential breach of licence conditions.
How might my status on the sex offender register influence any future legal proceedings regarding parental rights or custody?
Your status on the sex offender register can significantly influence future legal proceedings concerning parental rights or custody. The court's primary concern is the welfare and best interests of the child. Your status could lead to increased scrutiny, potential limitations, or modifications to your parental rights.
