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What is Supervised Access?
Supervised access is designed to maintain the
contact between a child and a parent when there are concerns for the
emotional or physical well-being of a child. The parenting time occurs
in the presence of a third person who is responsible for observing the
interaction of the participants and ensures the safety of those
involved.
Most families who participate in visitation programs have been ordered
by the court to do so. Typically, the
Courts will order supervised access based on issues of protection and
safety.
Our
visitation program is designed to
maintain the contact between a child and parent during the court process
and the time when a parent is working on identified issues. A court may
also order these services when contact is being reestablished after a
prolonged absence; allowing both child and parent to become reacquainted
in an environment that is comfortable for the child.
How often can a parent visit with their child?
The Court’s order will specify how often
a parent can visit with a child.
Please see
Recommendations for Supervised
Visits for age appropriate visiting schedules.
KIDS
Services facilitates visits from
10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., seven days a week
(based on current visitation schedules),
including most holidays. Every effort is given to accommodate
previously agreed on visitation times, however, due to constraints on
the facility and number of facilitators, parties may have to be open to
changes in the schedule.
How can Supervised Access help?
Many benefits are possible. Supervised access provides a safe setting
that allows children to develop or renew a healthy relationship with the
visiting parent. It can reduce conflict, and make sure that no one will
be hurt or unfairly blamed for trying to do harm. It can offer an
opportunity to reinforce good parenting skills. It provides time for
trust to develop between parents and children. During long court
processes, it can allow for continued contact between parents and
children.
The procedures and ground rules from the
initial intake to the final visit are designed to support every family
member and eliminate risk.
What are the benefits?
For the child:
It allows the child to maintain a
relationship with both parents. They can anticipate the visits without
the stress of worrying about what is going to happen, and enjoy their
time in a safe, comfortable environment without being put in the middle
of their parents’ conflict and/or other problems.
For the visiting parent:
Adult participants may have ambivalent feelings or frustration over
program rules. We understand that
visiting with a child in the presence of a third party can be
uncomfortable at first. Most children and parents quickly adjust to the
situation. If allegations have been made against them, they can visit
without fear of any new accusations because there is someone present who
can verify what happened during their time together.
It
is best if the parent is able to put aside any feelings they may have
towards the system or the other parent and focus on the relationship
with their child.
For the custodial parent:
Visitation arrangements are made by the centre, so you don’t have any
contact before, during or after the visit with a person with whom you
are in conflict. In the safe atmosphere provided by the program, you can
allow your child to have contact with the other parent without worry,
and have some time for yourself.
For all parties:
It is important that parents remain
flexible. Remember, this is about the children and their needs. It
may require some sacrifices on the part of the adults. You will
probably not have any difficulty if you can truly think about if from
the child’s point of view.
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