Q1: What should I do if I know I’m going to be late or can’t
keep my scheduled appointment at the Center?
A: If you are running behind due to work delays,
car problems or traffic congestion; call the Center Director and
let them know you are on your way and when you expect to arrive.
Staff will ask if the other parent is able to wait until your arrival.
If you cannot keep your appointment at all, you should contact the
other parent (if there isn’t a “no-contact” order
in place) to make other arrangements (if possible). You should also
contact the Center Director or Supervisor, during Center business
hours, the day of your appointment and briefly explain your circumstance
and if notification has been made to the other parent. You may bring
a written explanation for the record on your next visit.
Q2: What if the other parent does not consistently arrive on time
or is repeatedly absent?
A: If the other parent is often late or fails to bring your child(ren)
to the Center, you may courteously discuss the issue with the other
parent in private (if there isn’t a “no-contact”
order in place), or you may ask a staff person to intervene to learn
the cause of the problem and help resolve the issue. While staff
cannot direct the other parent to comply, CRC may offer written
or verbal evidence to the Court of a parent’s violation of
the order. If the problem persists, you may need to notify the Court.
Q3: If the other parent makes threatening statements or gestures
to me or I suspect abuse of my child(ren), what should I do?
A: If you at a Safe Haven Program center, you should immediately
remove yourself from the situation and notify the Center Director
and/or security personnel. Staff will promptly assess the situation
and contact local police authorities if necessary. In certain instances,
CRC will report to the Court details of the circumstances, outcomes,
and any corrective recommendations. However, CRC can only respond
to issues that arise at the Center. The agency is not authorized
or qualified to address any legal or personal issues you may have
with the other parent.
Q4: What is the Children’s Rights Council and what is the
relationship with the Prince George’s County Circuit Court?
A: The Children’s Rights Council (CRC) is a nationally recognized
nonprofit organization serving families and at-risk youth for more
than 20 years, long working to promote a society where laws, attitudes
and public opinion affirm that “The Best Parent is Both Parents”®.
Organized to serve the public purpose of advocating the healthy
development of children, CRC strives to minimize the emotional,
physical and economic distress of children at-risk between parents
involved in highly conflicted custody and access disputes. At the
request of the Court, CRC is contracted to provide court-ordered
Safe Haven Program access services for both parents; report on the
progress of parental cooperation; and provide written and verbal
compliance with court orders.
Q5: May I have copies of logs or reports for use in court?
A: Yes, as they pertain strictly to you and your child(ren). You
must make a written request to the Center Director, accompanied
with Request for Release of Information form and a copying and processing
fee, to receive the requested documents.
Q6: Is there a fee for use of the Safe Haven Program?
A: There is no charge to either parent for use of access services.
The Prince George’s County Circuit Court primarily funds the
Safe Haven Program as part of its system of community services.
You are however encouraged to join the Children’s Rights Council
where you may receive additional resource information, referral
services, and parental support to help strengthen your role as a
loving, nurturing, responsible parent.
Q7: How does lunchtime work when participating in supervised access
with my child(ren)?
A: The Center does not have a lunch room for parents participating
in supervised access. You may however, bring in meals from home
or order delivered foods to share with your child(ren) in one of
the private rooms. During good weather conditions, you may also
enjoy your meal outside, but you may not leave the premises.
Q8: When is it OK to bring a relative to the Center for supervised
access?
A: Only those persons identified on the court order are allowed
to accompany a parent during supervised access. However, in certain
instances the Center Director may allow a relative(s) to participate
if: 1) the Court does not forbid such access and the other parent
has given their permission.
Q9: How do I introduce a new, important male or female partner
to my child(ren)?
A: Consistency is important to children. Until a parent has prepared
the groundwork by talking with their child(ren) about major life
changes, CRC makes the recommendation not to introduce a “significant
other” at the Center. If the parent and child(ren) believe
they are ready to accept such changes, a formal request should be
made to the Court to adjust the access order.
Q10: May I bring special items such as a toy or small pet when
participating in supervised access?
A: There are toys and games available for your child(ren)’s
use at the Center, but you may also bring personal items, including
a particular toy. Be sure however, to take the item with you after
the session unless you have the other parent’s agreement to
allow the child(ren) to bring the item home with them. Except for
certified service animals, pets (whether caged or leashed) are not
allowed into the Center.
