Supervised Visitation 

When someone separates from an abusive partner, it is often a time of increased risk for the parent and children. The Supervised Visitation Program at WomenSafe (The SVP) provides increased safety for children and parents during supervised visitations and monitored exchanges. Services are provided by a trained monitor in a safe, impartial, and child-friendly environment.

WomenSafe’s Supervised Visitation Program is separate from our advocacy services in order to maintain neutrality and confidentiality. Your ex/partner participating in the SVP will have no effect on our services with you.

The Supervised Visitation Program at WomenSafe can assist parents who are separated, divorced, divorcing or are involved in custody or visitation disputes when one or more of the following exist:

• There is domestic violence.

• Coordinating visitation and bringing children to visits puts the residential parent at risk for further abuse.

• There is a concern about a child’s emotional and physical safety during visits with the non-residential parent.

• The non-residential parent has been absent from the child for a long time.

• The non-residential parent has a history of drug/alcohol abuse that puts the child at risk.

• There is a concern that the non-residential parent may abduct the children.

• When a court order prohibits one parent from having any contact with the other.

What are Supervised Visits?

Supervised visits provide an opportunity for children to visit with their non-residential parents in the presence of a professional visit supervisor who monitors the safety of the children and residential parents before, during and after the visit. The supervisor will be within sight and sound of the child at all times for the child’s safety and comfort. The supervisor will intervene in the visit only when necessary.

All visits take place in Middlebury at a convenient, child-friendly space with appropriate security measures in place. The space is cheerful and child-friendly with many toys, activities, and books for families to use.

What are Supervised Exchanges?

A supervised exchange is a safe, monitored transfer of children between parents who share custody and/or have unsupervised visitations. For example, in some situations, one parent has unsupervised weekend visits with their children, but the transfer of those children needs to be monitored for safety.

Most supervised exchanges occur at the Middlebury Police Department or the Courthouse with a monitor and on-site security. The SVP has a number of openings and can work with you and your schedule to find a mutually agreed upon time for all parties to participate in visits or exchanges.

What are the fees for SVP services?

Currently, there are no fees for most supervised visitation and supervised exchange services.

To schedule an orientation/intake or for more information, please call The SVP directly at 802-388-6783.