What is Supervised Access and Visitation Exchange?

When parents separate, access visits with children may be a problem. Sometimes, difficulties arise at the time of the exchange of the child between the parents, guardians or relatives. Other times, there may be concerns about the visits themselves.

Supervised Access and Visitation Exchange services offer separated families a way to deal with some of these problems by providing safe and secure settings where visits and exchanges can take place under the supervision of trained staff and volunteers.

Access or visits may need to be supervised when?
What does SAP Huron-Perth do?
Who can use SAP Huron-Perth?
How do I get access to SAP Huron-Perth services?
Does SAP Huron-Perth charge fees for their services?
How does SAP Huron-Perth ensure the safety of families, staff and volunteers?
Do SAP Huron-Perth staff and volunteers have special skills or training?
Conditions
Times and Locations
Supervised Access Visitation & Exchange Program of Huron Perth Policies, Procedures and Guidelines.

Supervised Access and Visitation Exchange services in Huron and Perth Counties are provided by the Supervised Access Program (SAP) Huron-Perth - in several locations.

Supervised Access and Visitation Exchange programs are funded by the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General.

Access or visits may need to be supervised when?

• there are concerns about the safety of the child and/or the parent;
• the non-custodial parent has a drug or alcohol problem or a psychiatric disability;
• there has been a lengthy separation between the parent and child; or
• there is a risk of an abduction.

What does SAP Huron-Perth do?

• Provides a safe, neutral and child-focused setting for visits between a child and non-custodial family member.
• Ensures the safety of all participants, including staff and volunteers.
• Provides trained staff and volunteers who are sensitive to the needs of the child.
• Provides the court and/or lawyers with factual observations about the participants' use of the service.
• Offers orientation for all involved parties.

Who can use SAP Huron-Perth?

Families can use SAP Huron-Perth if:

• they have a court order for supervised visits and exchanges; or
• both parties agree, in writing, to the use of SAP Huron-Perth services.

How do I get access to SAP Huron-Perth services?

You must contact SAP Huron-Perth directly. We will need a copy of your court order, endorsement or agreement for supervised access. Both parents will be asked to participate in separate interviews at SAP Huron-Perth before service is offered. Each parent will be asked to sign an agreeement with SAP Huron-Perth, including release of information forms. Arrangements for the payment of fees will also be discussed at this time.

Does SAP Huron-Perth charge fees for their services?

Yes. SAP Huron-Perth fees for visitation or exchanges are a maximum of $25.00 per visit/exchange. Subsidies are available for those unable to afford this fee. Reports that document the exchange or visit may be requested by parents or lawyers. Fees for reports range from $25.00 to $200.00.

How does SAP Huron-Perth ensure the safety of families, staff and volunteers?

• Staggered drop off and pick up times.
• An attendant on duty at the front door.
• Staff or volunteers who accompany children at all times during visits.
• A close relationship with the local police.
• Security checks for all involved parties.

Do SAP Huron-Perth staff and volunteers have special skills or training?

Yes. SAP Huron-Perth staff are trained to be aware of issues such as family violence, child development, abuse, mental health and substance abuse problems. Staff and volunteers are sensitive to the needs of children, particularly those who are involved in high conflict custody and access disputes. However, SAP staff and volunteers do not provide counselling to children or parents.

Conditions

Times and Locations

Visit length is a maximum of two hours dailiy or three hours on Sundays. Times include transition periods between pick-up and drop-off.