Safe Connections provides a neutral exchange site with a third party who acts as the “go-between” from one parent to the other. The program offers help for children who are experiencing separation from one parent, non-custodial parents who wish to increase visitation with their children, and parents who wish to improve communication with each other in the best interest of their children.

Safe Connections also provides parents with crucial tools that can help them deal with each other and with their children. Through education and skill building, parents are able to understand and appreciate the emotional turmoil a child undergoes during a custody dispute. This service helps both of the parents and the child form relational bonds which can be lost in a custody battle or in conflictual exchanges. Children cope better with the emotional aspect of separation and divorce if they are able to maintain contact with both parents, and parents are able to provide more emotional support.

How it works:
On the Friday of an exchange weekend, the custodial parent brings the child/ren to the exchange location so the parents do not have contact with each other. A staff person walks the child/ren to the non-custodial parent (who arrived 15 minutes earlier than the custodial parent) and is waiting in another location in the building.

The child/ren and the non-custodial parent leave ten minutes after the custodial parent has departed the exchange site. At no time during the exchange do parents have contact with each other. Further, the start and departure times ensure no contact between them.

The process is reversed on the Sunday of an exchange weekend as child/ren are returned to the custodial parent’s care. Neutral exchange occurs on Friday at 5:45 p.m., with a return exchange on Sunday at 4:45 p.m. Additional times are available by appointment and mutual agreement.

There is a $25 registration fee from each parent and a $5 exchange fee from each parent when he/she is receiving a child/ren.