Supervised Parenting and Exchange
SAFE CONNECTIONS
Helping parents and children develop safe and healthy relationships
The YWCA Safe Connections Program provides supervised parenting time and custody exchange for families experiencing violence, abuse, mental illness, or addiction.
Families will find:
- A physically and emotionally safe environment
- Distinct family spaces, designed for younger and older children
- Lots of games, activities, and even a gym where children and parents can play together
- Qualified, trained, and attentive staff
- An organization with more than 40 years of expertise addressing safety and trauma within families
Participation
A parent looking for supervised parenting time or custody exchange services may contact Safe Connections directly, or be referred. Families can be referred by family courts, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, other social service agencies, and family law attorneys. Safe Connections primarily serves families from the West Michigan region, but accepts referrals regardless of geography.
A YWCA case manager will initially meet with each parent for an intake interview to discuss the case history, the family’s physical and emotional safety needs, program rules/expectations, fees, and scheduling.
Following the intake interviews, the case manager will contact each parent to advise them of the schedule for their weekly visits or exchanges. Before the first session, parents are encouraged to arrange an orientation for their children, especially those younger than 6 years old.
Parenting time and custody exchanges occur at the YWCA. To enhance safety and prevent contact between parents, each one is assigned a different parking area, entrance, and arrival/departure time.
Program Hours
Parenting Times*
Please contact Safe Connections for current hours. Missed sessions are accommodated as program availability allows, but are not guaranteed.
Custody Exchanges*
For the health and safety of all, we are unable to facilitate exchanges at this time.
*Closed some holidays
Click here for directions.
Fees
There is a fee to utilize Safe Connections services. Reduced rates are available to those who qualify.
Feedback
Tell us how we’re doing! All surveys remain anonymous and your feedback is used to inform program updates. Click here to submit your feedback.
Contact Us
Office Hours
Mon – Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
25 Sheldon Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616.426.3757
Click here for directions.