Supervised Parenting & Safe Exchange Services

FamilyWise is a leader and the largest provider in Minnesota in facilitating secure structured parenting and safe exchange services for families. Our services allow families to rebuild and strengthen relationships in a safe, confidential and observed environment.

We offer multiple visitation sites, depending on the need and staffing, including locations in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Lakeville and Anoka. For more information, including how to set up services, refer to the side menu on the right side (desktop viewing) or bottom (mobile viewing) of this page.

We are members of the Supervised Visitation Network (SVN), and we provide a safe, comfortable environment for parents and their children to interact and play. The program offers three different types of services:

Supervised Parenting:

This program is available for those who are seeking parenting time with their child but are required to do so within the presence of a neutral third party. Sessions are typically two hours in length and available seven days a week. High, medium and low supervision for visits are available.

High visit: No more than six (6) people total including guests, one visit monitor and a private room (any more people would require two visit monitors)

Medium visit: No more than four (4) people total including guests. SHARED VISIT TIME with another family.

Low visit: no more than three (3) people total. Shared visit monitor, 15-minute check-ins with notes available.

Monitored Parenting:

A program for parents who are transitioning from supervised parenting and no longer need to have supervisor present at all times during the visit. Supervisors check in with the family several times during the session and document at each check-in. Sessions are typically two hours in length, but can be more or less if needed, and may occur in a group setting.

Monitored Exchanges:

Parents seeking to transfer their children from one parent to the other without having to have contact with the other parent can use this program. Monitored exchanges are supervised and performed by staff. Staff documents each exchange. Exchanges are performed seven days a week during programming hours.

Therapeutic Supervised Visitation (TSV):

This program provides therapeutic interventions for children and their non-custodial parent to improve the parent/child relationship in a safe and private supervised space. It is a way to assist children in transitions to changing family structures. We actively engage in assisting non-custodial parents and children in re-establishing, or forming, a healthy and safe relationship. A court order could indicate when it is in the best interest of child(ren) to have Therapeutic Supervised Visitation. Families can also choose Therapeutic Supervised Visitation instead of traditional supervised visitation through the agreement of both custodial and non-custodial parents. Please contact us for more information.

Eligibility

Participants must be parents and children in need of a neutral third party during interactions and/or exchanges. Families do not need to have a court order to use these services. An orientation session is required for all new participants prior to the first session or exchange. Orientations are scheduled Monday–Friday 9:00 am–5:00 pm. Arrangements can be made if participants are unable to complete an orientation during these hours. Please call for more information about hours, availability and costs.

FAQs about Supervised Parenting & Safe Exchange Services:

How are the payments handled for supervised parenting & safe exchange services?

There is an initial registration fee of $50. The initial costs and future payments for these services are determined during the intake evaluation or by the referring agency.

Are activities available during the time I spend with my children at our supervised visit?

We offer a family-friendly environment, which, depending on the location, may include a kitchen, toys and games, video games, game room, and playground.

How do I get services started?

Call to schedule an orientation appointment at 612.877.7832. There is a $50 registration fee. Bring any court documents you may have. Come prepared to discuss your circumstances and which level of service may be right for you. For child welfare agency cases, ask your county worker for a referral to FamilyWise. For more information, refer to the side menu on the right side of this page.

Do you have any resources for navigating the family court system?

Supervised Visitation Directory www.svndirectory.com

ParentingTime.net this recourse uses a program called Optimal for information management regarding all aspects of custody time and attendance, custody calendar and more!

ParentingPlan.net for parents who need to create a parenting plan. The parenting plans are approved in 50 states and there are multiple plans to choose from such as military, interstate, phase plans, and plans that can be designed unique to a family’s needs.

Contact Us for More Information

Questions and referrals can be emailed to our Senior Manager or call 612.877.7846.

ALERT: If you are concerned about your safety, be aware that a person abusing you may be able to monitor your use of your computer and the Internet. If you are in danger, please use a safer computer (such as a public computer at a library, resources center, friend’s computer, etc.). If you are in danger, always call 911 in an emergency. For assistance, resources, information, and a safe place to stay, you may also call Tubman’s 24-hour crisis line: 612.825.0000 (West Metro) or 651.770.0777 (East Metro)
Or if you are outside of Minnesota, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.800.799.SAFE (7233).