Safe Visitation
Give your child the best from their non-custodial parent. Safe visitations create a more stable environment so children (and their parents) can build healthier relationships.
Referrals can be through the court system, from other agencies, or by self-referral.
“[The YWCA] fosters a thoughtful, respectful, and judgement-free environment and truly care about what’s best for the child and family as a whole.”
For self-referral, connect with us
Call (8am - 4pm)
403-329-0088 ext. 257 – ask Safe Visitation program staffGive your child a space to connect
Completely free, the Safe Visitation program provides a child-friendly space for parent-child time, supervised by qualified professionals. This meets the dual needs of the children and the parents in a safe, low-stress environment, and helps to promote healthy relationships.
Save visitation details
In-person visits
Parents and children can visit inside our childcare centre—a safe, welcoming, and low-stress environment. In-person visits can be scheduled for up to one hour.
Virtual and phone visits
For families not located in the same city, we offer flexible virtual or phone visits. Virtual and phone visits can be scheduled for up to 30 minutes.
Safety planning and support with parenting goals
Safe Visitation staff can provide support with safety planning and parenting goals.
FAQ
How do I access this program?
Families must be referred to the Safe Visitation program and the YWCA Lethbridge & District through communication with Child and Family Services Association (CFSA) at 403-381-5543. Families can be referred to the CFSA through the court system, other agencies, or self-referral.
How long can I participate in this program?
Length of participation is determined on individual and family needs, and continuously evaluated on an on-going basis.
Can family or friends of the parents participate in the visits?
To preserve client confidentiality and ensure security of all YWCA Lethbridge personnel, other visitors are not permitted to join in-person visits.
What if my child refuses to attend the visit?
Children are not forced to attend the program. However, all efforts will be made by staff to facilitate a positive and safe exchange between a visiting parent and child. If a child continues to refuse visitation even after all efforts have been made to help them feel safe, the service may be terminated.
Set up your intake
Intakes with both parents must be completed before visits can be scheduled.
Intakes are completed in-person, can take up to one hour, and consist of staff collecting necessary documents and completing intake forms. Each parent/guardian is responsible for initiating their intake appointment, held separately.
Children are welcome to accompany their parent(s). This may even be beneficial as it can help familiarize them with the visitation room and staff.
Start your intake:
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Phone: 403-329-0088 ext. 257 — ask for Safe Visitation program staff to set up your intake
Documents to bring with you
Copies of court orders and parenting orders
Any other documentation that may pertain to participation in the program
What to expect during your intake process
Program staff will complete an intake form to address the necessary information to begin visitation services. They will seek to gain an understanding of the family’s history, and safety concerns will also be discussed.
During the intake, staff will explain Safe Visitation services, policies and procedures, including the parent handbook and service agreement.
Parents/guardians will be asked to sign necessary paperwork for participating in the program. Staff will give parents/guardians and children a tour of the visitation room. They will also inquire what activities the child may enjoy doing during the visits.
You can help kids build safe relationships with parents
If you are interested in referring your family, or a client to this program, please connect with our Safe Visitation staff by sending a message, or calling us directly.