What
is it?
Safe Exchange facilitates the
transfer of children for visitations between parents and
guardians in a safe and positive environment. Children are
exchanged from one party to the other by trained
professionals. Parents and guardians never see one another
and are required to drop off and pick up the children at
separate buildings or entrances. The exchange monitor takes
the child from one parent or guardian and delivers him/her
to the other parent or guardian and documents all
parent-child interaction.
Why participate?
Safe Exchange is provided to all families regardless of
custody arrangements or visitation schedules. Scheduling
visits and exchanging children can be extremely stressful
for both the children and adults involved. Families with a
history of violence or volatile interactions often draw the
children into adult conflicts which exacerbate children’s
fears and anxiety about moving back and forth between their
parents. Children who witness conflict between parents at
the time of exchange often become anxious and fearful about
how to interact with their parents. The Family Center’s Safe
Exchange program is designed to help children enjoy positive
interactions with both sets of parents and families by
providing a safe and comfortable exchange during which adult
conflicts and stresses are minimized. Safe Exchange provides
a structured and stable environment in which children are
transferred so that the exchanges are predictable and
consistent for the children.
Where are
services offered?
- Exchanges occur at the Nashville location
only.
- Exchanges may be scheduled
on weekends or during the week.
- This program operates year
round and provides services during all major holidays.
How
much does it cost?
- Safe Exchanges are offered
on a sliding scale fee based on income.
- Intakes are $12
and typically last one hour.
How do I get started?
To begin Safe Exchanges, you must call The Exchange
Club Family
Center and schedule an intake appointment. Both the
custodial guardian and non-custodial parent must complete
separate intakes before beginning Exchanges.
|