DHSS Press Release |
Date: December 8, 2005 DHSS-122-2005 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Jane Rattenni, DSSC Phone: (302) 255-9674 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FAMILY VISITATION PROGRAM CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY
The Family Visitation program at the Division of State Service Centers was established 10 years ago for ensuring the safe exchange and visitation of children in families with a history of domestic violence. Family Visitation Centers were created to help address custody and visitation issues in families with a history of domestic violence. In these families, there is clearly a need for a neutral place where productive, healthy visitation can be facilitated. Family Visitation Centers offer that service by providing a safe setting where a child can maintain or reestablish a relationship with a non-custodial parent. At the same time, the custodial parent can feel reassured that the child will be protected. Also, visitation centers provide convenient and flexible visitation alternatives on weekends, evenings and holidays.
Each Family Visitation Center provides two essential services, depending on the family history: Monitored exchange of children for off-site visitation or supervised on-site visitation.
1) Supervised exchange of children for off-site visitation occurs at the visitation centers through third parties, thereby allowing the children an opportunity to have visitation without any contact between the parents themselves. The exchange involves observing and facilitation the transfer of the child between parents for unsupervised off-site visitation.
2) Monitored on site visitation is provided for those cases warranting close observation. Family Visitation Centers offer two levels of supervision. a) One-on-one supervision involved a professional staff person with the parent and child at all times to monitor and observe parent-child interactions. b) Group supervision allows several families to visit in the same area at the same time.
Use of the visitation centers may be appropriate if:
- The parents have had a history of hostile or violent arguments during the pickup and return of their children;
- The visiting parent has a substance abuse problem that gives the court or custodial parent concern for the child's welfare;
- The visiting parent's living situation is unsuitable for meeting the needs of his/her children;
- Either parent has repeatedly failed to cooperate with visitation arrangements;
- The court suspects that the visiting parent ma leave the state with the children; or
- The children are in custody or care of the Division of Family Service (DFS) and DFS has determined that use of the visitation center is appropriate.
Celebrations honoring the program and facilities will be held next week:
Tuesday, December 13th
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Milford State Service Center
13 S.W. Front Street
Milford, Delaware
Thursday, December 15th
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Hudson State Service Center
501 Ogletown Road
Newark, Delaware
The visitation centers are open evenings, weekends and holidays. Hours vary by center. All are open on the weekends. Hudson State Service Center is open 7 days per week.
Hudson State Service Center
501 Ogletown Road, Newark
Child Inc is Service Provider
Milford State Service Center
11-13 Church Street, Milford
Peoples Place II is Service provider
Georgetown State Service Center
546 S. Bedford Street, Georgetown
Peoples Place II, Inc.
Peoples Place II, Inc. Dover Facility
165 Commerce Way, Dover
Peoples Place II, Inc.
Northeast State Service Center
1624 Jessup Street, City of Wilmington
Child Inc
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
