KIDS FIRST

The Kids First Program provides supervised visitation and exchange services for parents and children facing issues such as separation, divorce, domestic violence, inappropriate expressions of anger, substance abuse, recent release from prison, child abduction, child abuse and/or neglect. The goal of the program is to promote opportunities for children to have safe, positive, conflict-free access to both parents through a continuum of activities. Kids First offers parent education, supervised visitation and /or exchanges and therapeutic visitation.

Kids First clients are typically referred to the program by a family court judge or clients may voluntarily enroll. Kids First coordinators schedule supervised visitations and arrange for visitation times. Supervised, monitored visitations occur in the evenings, on weekends and holidays. Visitation rooms are filled with toys for parents to engage in activities with their children to encourage a relaxed environment. A trained observer monitors the visits to ensure the emotional and physical safety of those involved. Supervised exchanges allow parents to exchange possession of their children in a non-threatening setting. Children benefit from a continued relationship with both parents without witnessing unhealthy confrontations and stress between parents.