The S.A.F.E. Visitation Program is designed for children and their divorced or separated parents where there has been a history of abuse or conflict involved with visitation.
The goals of S.A.F.E. are:
+Increase the safety of children and non-abusing parent.
+Prevent children from witnessing abuse.
+Mend the parent / child relationship.
+Break the cycle of abuse by providing positive interactions and models.
S.A.F.E. will provide:
+Neutral locations to pick up and drop off children for visitation with staggered times to avoid conflict between parents.
+An appropriate environment for court ordered, supervised - isitations with a trained supervisor.
+On site monitored visitation for parents needing a positive environment for longer visits.
+Access to parenting / child development classes.
When would S.A.F.E. be helpful to visitation?
+When visitation times are sources of conflict witnessed by the children.
+History of parent picking up the children while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
+Repeated pattern of inconsistency or irresponsibility in exercising or allowing visitation.
+Parents who have OFPs or harassment orders.
+Families where children are in foster care because of abuse.
+Concern over a parent leaving the area with the child(ren).
+Out-of-town parents needing a comfortable atmosphere for visitation.
Who can refer to S.A.F.E.?
+Family Courts*
+Court Services*
+Attorneys
+Social Services
+Anyone with child protection interests
Each visit or exchange is conducted by a trained supervisor accountable to S.A.F.E., and upholds existing court orders. The supervisor can bring toys, games and books to help create a secure, child-oriented visit.
*The S.A.F.E. Coordinator must have a copy of the court order before visits or exchanges may be scheduled.
The S.A.F.E. Visitation Program requires a five (5) day notice to schedule the initial visit or exchange.
S.A.F.E. is a program of Houston County Women's Resources. For more information on arranging for S.A.F.E. services, or to inquire about becoming a supervisor, please contact:
Kathy Lawson, S.A.F.E. Coordinator
Houston County Women's Resources
114 Main Street P.O. Box 294
Hokah, MN 55941
Tel: 507-894-2676
Fax: 507-894-2678
S.A.F.E. Visitation Program is supported with funds from the La Crosse Area United Way.
SAFETY ALERT: Your abuser can monitor your use of your computer and the Internet. If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, call 911 or your local hotline, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). For more details, click here.
