Are Custody Exchange Zones Safe?

Family Care Monitoring Services, Inc. (FCMS) is a member of the Supervised Visitation Network, a membership organization of professionals who provide supervised visitation and supervised exchange services to families at risk. FCMS and the Supervised Visitation Network are deeply concerned with the new trend to offer “safe” exchange zones for both merchandise purchased online and when divorced or separated parents exchange custody of their children.

In the past week there have been at least three violent episodes during custody exchanges at public locations, including shootings in Menifee, California and Middletown, Pennsylvania.

Since 1991, FCMS and other members of the Supervised Visitation Network have understood that custody exchanges of children, especially when there has been domestic violence or child abuse, can be volatile and dangerous if precautions are not taken. When a trained SV professional oversees a custody exchange, they prepare both parties before exchanges begin to understand the safety protocols they put in place to substantially reduce the risk of violence.  These exchange zones for merchandise should NOT be used as safe place to exchange children, especially when there are safety risks are present.

While California does not have any statutes or legislation governing how supervised exchange services are provided and there is no license or certification for SV providers, ACME voluntarily follows the SVN published minimum standards that address all aspects of the provision of services, including a section on providing safety and security for all participants. These standards are post at www.svnworldwide.org

For more information about FAMILY CARE MONITORING SERVICES, INC., PLEASE CALL (818) 780-7370

If you would like more information about supervised exchange protocols and procedures, or to interview SVN Executive Director Joe Nullet, dial (904) 419-7861.

Supervised Visitation Safe Zones

In the last two decades, it is evident that we are using technology at a faster pace than ever before. I remember only using the internet to check email, research topics, and talk to friends two decades ago. Today, We can use the internet to buy groceries, clothing, gifts, trading services, etc. There are a myriad of services available at our fingertips when we are linked into the internet. It seems that the internet has become an extension of ourselves, as majority of people are constantly interacting with technology, whether it be on a mobile phone, tablet, iPad, google glasses or other convenient method. 

With the increase in online transactions, we want to remind you parents that if you are looking for supervised visitation services, or custody exchange services, please do your homework and research the individual who you are entrusting the care and safety of your child to. We at Family Care Monitoring Services, Inc. pride ourselves in having experienced monitors that go through the somewhat time-intensive process of registering with TrustLine and Livescan. This is a two step process involving fingerprinting (done electronically) and then sending in an application to Trustline Registry, a database of caregivers who have cleared the criminal background checks in California.

Many parents believe that for custody exchanges, the most safest location is at a police station, but many times the police officers at the station have far more pressing issues to deal with such as homicides and other various crimes and abuse. Many times we have encountered parents giving us questionable looks when telling them that a police station is not the best option for Visitation Exchanges. The reality is that they are not knowledgeable in the Rules of Court , nor are they knowledgeable in the Standards applicable to Supervised Visitation Monitoring or exchanges.

If you are in need of these services, please feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience. Our Service Coordinator, Rusty, will be more than happy to assist you in answering any questions you may have.