This paper describes the purpose and the methodology of the use of genogram in a Child Contact Centre, paying particular attention to photographic genograms and family pictures. The Authors describe a specific procedure devised during their experience in a City Center in Rome. The Centre’s Court-ordered interventions serve the purpose of reconstructing, rehabilitating and maintaining parental relationships through supervised visitations, following hostile separations, relationship fractures, parental authority suspension, foster care, adoptions. The use of genogram is described both as a method of treatment and as a tool for the observation of parental relationships. As a method of treatment, genograms can help families to restore family history continuity, rediscovering their sense of belonging and clarifying family boundaries as well as the role of each family member.
Keywords: Genogram, child contact centre, supervised visitations, parental relationships, hostile separation, family boundaries.