Safe Havens

Community Corrections Safe Havens: Supervised Visitation and Safe Exchange Program

Our mission is to provide a safe location in Shelby County where family members who have experienced domestic violence may safely exchange children for supervised visitation in a structured environment, with respectful consideration for all.

Guiding Principles

• Principle I - Equal Regard for the Safety of Child/ ren and Adult Victims
• Principle II - Valuing Multiculturalism and Diversity
• Principle III - Incorporating an Understanding of Domestic Violence into Center Services
• Principle IV - Respectful and Fair Interaction
• Principle V - Community Collaboration
• Principle VI - Advocacy for Child/ren and Adult Victim

Questions Parents Ask

What is Supervised Visitation?

Supervised Visitation is a structured setting where children and the non-custodial parent have the opportunity to spend time together in a comfortable environment, but in the presence of a trained, unbiased third person who will discreetly observe the visit to ensure safety and compliance. 

What is Supervised Safe Exchange?

Supervised Safe Exchanges refers to the safe transfer of the child to the non-custodial parent overseen by a trained, unbiased third person. After transfer, unsupervised visits take place off-site and the child returns at an agreed upon, later time, to the Center for supervised transfer back to the custodial parent. Measures are taken to ensure the parents never have contact. 

What is the Purpose?

Both Supervised Visitation and Safe Exchanges are designed to ensure that children can have safe contact with a non-custodial parent without having to be put in the middle of conflict. Keeping adults and children safe are paramount in making any decision regarding the need for supervision. It is a tool that can help families as they go through difficult and/or transitional times. Benefits for the family are as follows: 

• For the children:
  • It allows the children to maintain a relationship with
    both parents, something that is generally found to
    be an important factor in the positive adjustment
    to family dissolution.
  • It allows them to anticipate the visits without stress
    and enjoy time with the non-custodial parent in a
    safe, comfortable environment.
• For the custodial parents:
  • It allows for no communication or contact between the
    custodial and non-custodial parent. Arrangements
    and scheduling are made by a neutral party at the
    visitation center and there is no parental interaction
    before, during, or after the visits. Heightened levels
    of safety and security are in place.
  • It allows for relaxation and sense of comfort allowing
    children to have contact with the other parent with
    the knowledge they are being supervised or
    exchanged in a secure and monitored setting.
• For the non-custodial parents:
  • It allows for assurances that contact with children does
    not have to be interrupted regardless of any
    interpersonal issues that may be happening with the
    custodial parent.
  • If allegations have been made, which is often the case
    when supervision is ordered, fear from further
    accusations are eliminated with the presence of a
    trained, unbiased third party, who can verify what
    transpired in the visit.

SCHEDULING VISITS 

Once you have been referred for Supervised Visitation or Exchange, parents are responsible for contacting the Center within five (5) business days of the court order or referral for Supervised Visitation or Exchange to schedule an intake. The Project Manager can be reached at (205) 610-0960. Individualized intakes are scheduled for the custodial and non-custodial parent. Staff will coordinate with the custodial and non—custodial parent to find a time for visitation or exchange services that works best for everyone. Once an agreement is reached, all parties will have an orientation and tour of the facility.

SUCCESSFUL VISITS

At orientation, parents are provided with information and suggestions for making supervised visitation successful. This is an opportunity to ask questions and gain further understanding. The Parent Handbook provides guidelines that should be followed for success in the program. Custodial parents can help children have a successful experience in supervised visitation by encouraging them and staying positive. Non-custodial parents should arrive anticipating quality time with their children and comply with Safe Havens supervised visitation and exchange guidelines. Neither parent should ask the child(ren) for information about the other parent

Safe Havens brochure (English)  (Spanish)