Beperktcontact

Beperktcontact is a term used in Dutch law and social care to describe an arrangement in which contact between two or more parties is restricted in terms of frequency, duration, location, or other conditions. The aim is to reduce risk, protect welfare, or facilitate communication under controlled circumstances. Such arrangements can be ordered by courts, child protection agencies, or other authorities and may be temporary or subject to periodic review.

Common contexts for beperktcontact include child protection and family law, where a child may have limited or supervised contact with a parent or guardian when safety concerns exist. It is also used in criminal justice or probation settings, where victims or family members are restricted from contact with an offender or where contact is allowed only in a supervised setting. In some cases, beperktcontact is applied in mediation or care arrangements that require structured communication to minimize conflict.

Implementation typically involves a defined schedule, a designated location (such as a supervised contact center or neutral location), rules about who may be present, and approved channels of communication. Conditions may address safety, behavior, substance use, and reporting of violations. A supervising professional or intermediary enforces the arrangement, and violations can lead to escalation or modification of the terms.

The purpose of beperktcontact is to balance safety or welfare with the possibility of contact, providing a transparent and reviewable framework. Critics may point to potential negative effects on relationships or the need for careful, regular reassessment.

See also: supervised visitation, no-contact order, protective order, family court.