SAFE HAVEN PROGRAM RULES & GUIDELINES (1 of 3)

I. Introduction

The Children’s Rights Council (CRC) operates “family friendly” access sites called Safe Haven Centers to which you have been referred.  The purpose of the Safe Haven Centers is to enable children to remain close to both parents regardless of the family situation or parental conflict. These Centers are operated in cooperation with the Prince George’s County Circuit Court and remain neutral in family disputes. These Centers are focused on your well-being and that of your children for court-ordered access where safety is the first priority.

The Children’s Rights Council has been selected by the Court to provide this service to you because CRC firmly advocates the principle that “The Best Parent is Both Parents®”, and will help you to act in the best interest of your child(ren) by extending the opportunity to remain a loving and involved parent.  To promote a rewarding relationship and the continuing welfare of your child(ren), these rules and guidelines will help you cooperate in matters that affect your child(ren) – whether you are in dispute with the other parent or not.  CRC can assist you in these strategies and has monitors trained to observe and enforce these rules, as well as report to the Court and other authorities as necessary any violations.  It is necessary to review the Safe Haven Center Rules & Guidelines before your first visit and be prepared to ask any questions.  All parents must agree by their signature to follow the rules before being allowed to participate in the Safe Haven Program services.

II. Check-In Processes

Each time you arrive at the Safe Haven Program, you are directed to sign a log of your attendance and be sure to list your child(ren)’s name.  The logs are furnished to the Court upon request, and from time to time monitors may also be summoned to testify based on their observation of parental behavior, concerning conformance to rules, and parental abilities to cooperate with one another for the benefit of their child(ren).

It is recommended you identify a reliable person to serve as a designated “go-between” with the other parent in the event you have an emergency and are unable to visit or make the scheduled transfer.

On your first visit you should arrive 15 minutes early to process your Intake documents and procedures, as well as provide an opportunity for staff to answer your questions, conduct an orientation of the facility, and

III. Scheduling & Fees

Please review the schedule for the assigned Safe Haven access center.  It details the address, days and hours of operation, and contact information.  Although the Court may assign schedules at its discretion, you are first urged to contact the CRC staff person listed on the enclosed Safe Haven Program schedule to arrange for your visitation.

The Safe Haven center operates primarily on weekends.

Children benefit from consistency. Once a schedule has been established, please ensure you understand the rules and follow your schedule; it is your responsibility to arrive and depart on time. Sessions will end at their scheduled time even if one parent is late.  You may not miss a transfer or visitation session without permission of the Court.  CRC does not have authority to excuse absences or pardon repeated instances of tardiness.  The schedule will remain the same unless changed by an order from the judge.

There are no fees for using the Safe Haven Program. There is, however, a schedule of fees for documentation you request to document the process. In addition, it is your responsibility to provide meals, medicines, and any toys or gifts to your children when visiting the Center.  You are reminded to be conscious of the other parent’s wishes regarding acceptable diet and items appropriate to the child(ren).

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