The YWCA Visitation Services program is the only secure, on-site supervised visitation and monitored exchange program in Calgary.
Visitation Services provides an opportunity for children to visit with the non-custodial parent in a safe and secure environment. The primary role of staff is to protect the child’s safety while allowing both the child and parent to have a meaningful interaction during supervised visitation.
We spoke to YWCA Supervisor for Visitation, Stacey Ashton, to learn more about the success of the program.
What would you say is a highlight of the program?
We offer the safety and security that other agencies cannot provide while supervising visits in a client’s home or in the community. Our safety policies and procedures, along with our experienced and educated staff, allow us to offer a service where the parents and children feel safe, comfortable and supported while they have their access visits or exchanges.
What are some of the successes you see with the program?
We do see a decrease in high risk parenting behaviors as parents move through the program. We see that our clients feel safe, secure and supported and familial conflict is reduced as a result of accessing service. On our last client satisfaction survey, 100% of custodial parents said that the program provides a safe and non-threatening environment for supervised visits and monitored exchanges.
What positive impact do you see on children and families?
We consistently see relationships growing and being built between non-custodial parents and their children. We see parents learning how to interact positively with their child, learning how to set boundaries and recognizing their children’s emotions and responding appropriately. Best of all we see parents learning how to just play with their children!
Anything else you’d like to add about the program?
Our focus is connecting families in a safe and comfortable environment through play.
Click here for more information about Visitation Services.
