FAQ

What is Therapeutic Supervised Visitation?

Supervised Visitation is when a third party is required to observe the interactions between the non-custodial parent and their child(ren) to ensure the safety of those involved. It is a tool utilized during difficult family transitions periods and allows children and parents to maintain a relationship. Family Corner offers therapeutic supervised visitation, meaning that the non-custodial parents are offered parenting support during and after their visits, giving them space to grow as a parent. The supervisors are also there to support the children by attending to their emotional and safety needs, which is the priority of supervised visitation.

Why use a professional service instead of a friend or family member?

A professional third party is recommended to provide supervised visitation when a friend or family member cannot be agreed upon by the two parties or there is high tension between the parties. It also prevents relationships with friends and family from dissolving due to potential conflict.

Why is Supervised Visitation important?

Supervised visitation gives the child(ren) the opportunity to maintain a relationship with their parents in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment. Maintaining the relationship will ease the transition to reunification, should that be the goal, and allows the non-custodial parent to remain involved in their child’s life. Having routine, consistent, predictable visits means the child(ren) experiences less stress and worry about visitation.

How do I qualify for Supervised Visitation through the Family Corner Program?

A referral from a professional source, such as case worker or Family Court, is necessary to start the intake process. We do not accept self-referrals.

How do I get started with visits?

First, a referral from a professional source (case worker, Family Court), needs to be sent via email to the Family Corner program. After, a thorough intake process takes place which includes asking about the schedules of all parties. Visits can begin once the intake process is complete, and a schedule is agreed on.

How long is the intake process?

The intake process can take 2-6 weeks pending everyone’s cooperation but may be longer than that based on the nature of the case. After the referral is received, both the non-custodial and custodial parents will need to contact the program and schedule separate intake meetings. Once the intakes are complete, dependent on the case, a child intake may be required. A qualified therapist will interview the child(ren) regarding their comfort in attending visitation at that time. If the child has an individual therapist, a release of information will need to be signed to allow Family Corner supervisors to communicate with that therapist. This will assist in determining the readiness of the child for visitation. After all of those steps have been completed, the supervisor will reach out to the non-custodial and custodial parents to firm up scheduling and discuss when the first visit will be. In some cases, the non-custodial parent may be required, by the Family Corner program, to participate in parenting classes and/or individual therapy before visits may begin.

What is the role of the supervisor?

The supervisor’s main role is to ensure safety, emotional and physical, of all parties, but especially of the child. This is done through observing all interactions between the child(ren) and the supervised parent. Detailed notes of observations are kept for each visit. The supervisor is also a point of contact for concerns, questions, and cancellations which will be discussed with the Family Corner team.

Will the supervisor be present in the room?

Yes, the supervisor is present in the room. However, they will participate as little as possible in the visits as their main focus is observation. Participants are welcome to interact with the supervisor during visitation. If there is a safety concern, a supervisor will intervene.

How is the schedule decided?

The schedule is decided by the recommendation from Family Court or the case manager, the availability of the parents, and the availability of Family Corner staff. Family Corner has limited availability and space and may not be able to accommodate the full recommended time. Due to the limited availability, you may be asked to be placed on the waitlist until a time slot is available.

There is a No-Contact Order in place, can that be accommodated?

Yes, our building and procedures are set up in a way where there is no contact between parents. Not only does this comply with a court order but limits the potential for conflict in front of the child(ren) if there is not an order in place.

How is the child’s well-being protected?

Family Corner’s therapeutic supervisors are well-trained to provide emotional support. Supervisors intervene when necessary or talk with the non-custodial parent afterwards. Each family is discussed during regular team meetings to update the team, consider any new safety concerns, and, if necessary, develop next steps. In addition to the supervisor in the visitation room, there is always an additional member of staff in the building who monitors security cameras and is prepared to assist with the visit in any way.

How much do visits cost?

Intake fees are $50. For in county residents, visits are $5 per visit. For out of county residents, it is $20 per visit. These can be paid online through Zeffy (QR code on our website and in our lobby) or by cash/check at the time of your visit. Please speak with the supervisor if you have any financial concerns.

Do you offer Safe Exchange?

Yes, we do offer safe exchanges when non-custodial parents have unsupervised visitation with their child to accommodate the families with no-contact orders. The cost of safe exchange varies based on whether weekend hours are needed but are similar to supervised visitation costs