Family Friendly Access Sites
The Children’s Rights Council (CRC) operates “family friendly” access sites called Safe Haven Centers. 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 Method Chosen by the Courts
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.
Supervised Access Saturdays
Supervised access is offered at the Safe Haven Center on Saturdays in blocks of up to four (4) hours depending on the court order. Supervised access is determined by the court and restricts parental access to the on-premise location. There are generally two sessions available for supervised access. Session 1 is from opening at 9 a.m. to 11 a.m; Session 2 is from 11 a.m. to 1. p.m. closing. Judges, at their discretion, may designate whether one or both sessions should be made available to you.
Safe Measures
Under no circumstances, may a child be left alone at the Safe Haven Center without one parent being present. Furthermore, only those persons approved by the courts may come onto the premises, enter the center, or visit with the child(ren). Do not bring others with you, including a “significant” other. If you require assistance due to a disability or other reasonable need, prior approval by the center director is required.
Please Note
Visiting or waiting in the parking area or in front of the building is not permitted. Parents involved in child transfers are directed to enter the building upon arrival and log in their transfer; drop off or pick up their child(ren) then immediately leave the premises.
Parents are further reminded to coordinate their arrival time to pick up their child(ren) from the Center immediately after each supervised access session is concluded and promptly depart the premises.