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.