What is Supervised Access?

When parents separate, parent/child visits and exchanges may become difficult. Tensions sometimes arise between the parents when their children are exchanged. At other times, there may be concerns about the visits themselves. Supervised Access services offers a safe and neutral setting where visits and exchanges can take place under the supervision of trained staff.

Visiting Sites

FIREFLY has visiting sites in Dryden, Kenora, Red Lake and Sioux Lookout.

Who Can Use the Service?

Any individual or family member involved with separation, divorce and custody concerns may be eligible for service. Each adult participant must complete an intake interview, and agree to follow our policies and procedures before using the service. All services are prearranged and details are worked out between both parties and the Coordinator of the service.

Supervised Visits

Supervised visits occur when the non-custodial parent is granted access to his/her child(ren) and that access is supervised by the staff on site. Supervised visits are used in the following situations:

• when there are concerns about the safety of the child and/or the custodial parent;

• when there has been a lengthy separation between parent and child, or;

• when there is a fear that the child may be abducted.

Both parents have the security of knowing that their child’s visit is under the supervision of a trained third party.

Report Writing

A written report summarizing the use of a Supervised Access service is available upon request.

Supervised Exchanges

A supervised exchange occurs after a Court Order has been issued or both parents/caregivers have signed an agreement outlining the details of the arrangement. In cases where there may be lingering hostility or unresolved conflict over a separation or divorce, tension between the parents often increases when access to their children occurs. Parents, therefore, agree (or are court ordered) to exchange their child(ren) in a neutral setting where trained staff supervise the children as they are picked up or dropped off.

Is There a Fee for Service?

• Fees are determined at the time of intake.
• A fee is charged for reports.
• Fees are to be shared equally between both parents/caregivers, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

No one is denied service because of an inability to pay.

How We Help

Supervised Access Services ensures the safety of all participants, including the staff. The service is delivered by qualified staff who are screened and selected for this work. They are provided with a complete orientation session as well as on-going training and supervision. Staff sign a “Statement of Confidentiality” ensuring the security of client information.

Who Can Make a Referral?

Many separating/divorcing parents are required to use the service by means of a Court Order. Lawyers for a parent and/or the children’s lawyer may also recommend the service to their clients. Voluntary referrals are only accepted when both parties consent to participate in the service.

To inquire about Supervised Access Services please contact:

FIREFLY
75C Van Horne Avenue
Dryden, ON
P8N 2B2

807-223-8550
1-800-465-7203 (Toll Free)