Supervised Visitation is a program which provides a safe, neutral environment for visits between a non-custodial parent and his/her child(ren) under the supervision of an objective, trained Community Support Specialist (CSS). The CSS stays with the child(ren) the entire time and provides written documentation of the visit while protecting the child(ren) from any form of harm, threat or manipulation.

Innovative Services NW contracts with the Division of Children and Families (DCFS) to provide Supervised Visitation for children in foster care. Supervised Visitation is also available to the public on a fee for service basis.

Supervised Visitation is provided at a rate of $35 per hour, which includes the written report reflecting observations during the visit. There is also a one time administrative/scheduling fee of $50. Usually the visiting parent is responsible for the costs unless stipulated by a court order or mutual party agreement.

Neutral or Monitored Exchange is $25 per exchange.

Mediation Services is provided at an hourly rate $125/hour, after a $50 intake session. Most parents come to agreement in 3-5 sessions; some take less, others more.

Financial assistance is available for families whose income is below 150% of the federal poverty guideline and meet other eligibility criteria.

The visits take place in a child-friendly neutral place (a visitation room at the Mary Firstenburg Family Center or, with prior approval, out in the community).

Visitations can be scheduled Monday through Friday from 9am - 8pm or Saturdays from 8am - 1pm. In some circumstances, custodial and non-custodial parents may be required to arrive at different times to avoid contact between parties.

The Community Support Specialists strive to make each visit a healthy and positive experience for the children. They must pass a state, and if necessary national, criminal history background check as well as a child abuse/neglect history background check. They must maintain current First Aid and CPR training. They are also trained in the areas of Conflict Resolution, Child Development, Child Abuse and Neglect, Substance Abuse and Observation, Documentation and Reporting.

Neutral or Monitored Exchange assists parents/guardians in conflict with the transfer of minor children from one to the other for visitation and/or custody.

Mediation can help resolve parenting disputes, develop parenting plans and visitation agreements and increase the non-custodial parent's time with their children.

For more information or to begin a private pay intake, please contact Innovative Services NW Youth & Family Programs at (360) 823-5162