The studies are absolutely clear on one point: Conflict between parents is the best predictor of a child's later maladjustment.
- Dr. Anthony V. Berardi
child and family psychologist

Family Access Program

  1. What is Supervised Visitation? Supervised Visitation refers to contact between a non-custodial parent and one or more children in the presence of a third person responsible for observing and seeking to ensure the safety of those involved. Precautions are taken to assure that the two parents do not come into contact with one another.
  2. What is Monitored Exchange? Monitored Exchange is supervision of the transfer of the child from one parent to the other. Supervision is limited to the exchange or transfer only with the remainder of the parent/child contact remaining unsupervised. Precautions are taken to assure that the two parents or other individuals exchanging the child do not come into contact with one another.

In many cases, along with assisting with access issues, the staff also provides parent education in order to strengthen the family and their ability to reunify. If possible, the transition to unsupervised, unrestricted contact is developed via education provided on:

  • Skills of co-parenting
  • Rebuilding and enhancing relationships
  • Restructuring the family
  • Communication skills on resolving conflict

The agency collaborates with local and statewide courts, child protective agencies and domestic violence programs and informs participants of further resources they can utilize. These resources might include therapy, legal resources, alcohol and drug treatment, domestic violence services, social services, housing and shelter information, food pantry, batterer's intervention, co-parenting education and other services that work with parents and/or children who are in families that are disrupted through divorce or other separation.