Safe Visitation Program

►  The Alberta Government's Safe Visitation Initiative    assists in providing protection for children and families    who have a high risk of continuing family violence    between the parents.  The need for safe visitation was    recognized during the 2004 Alberta Roundtable on     Family Violence and Bullying.  The Government of      Alberta continues to regard the safety of children and     families as a top priority.  In families where domestic    violence has occurred and the parents are separated,    children visiting with the non-custodial parent can     become very stressed.  The Safe Visitation Program    provides the opportunity for non-custodial parents to    have contact with their children in a safe, neutral setting    in order to help build healthy relationships.

►  YWCA Lethbridge and District provides one of just five Safe Visitation pilot sites in Alberta which are funded by Alberta Children’s Services Ministry. The YWCA Lethbridge and District Safe Visitation Program meets the dual needs of children and parents who are at risk during visits and/or exchanges because of concerns of domestic violence and child abuse.
     
►  Families will be referred to the YWCA Lethbridge and District Safe Visitation Program by the Southwest Alberta Child and Family Services Authority. Referrals can also be made by individuals directly at the YWCA and/or via the justice system through court referrals. Once the referral has been made, the Safe Visitation Coordinator will complete intake and assessment interviews with all family members. Qualified facilitators with understanding and knowledge of domestic violence will supervise all visits. 

►  Hours for Safe Visitation are available on Saturdays and Sundays during the day, and Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays  in the evening.
For more information please contact Dee Dionne at 329-0088. 
To contact Southwest Alberta Child and Family Services Authority, call 381-5555.

Click on the following links for more information.

 "A Guide to Parenting and Support (Custody and Access in Alberta)"