Through monitored exchanges, we ensure that children are able to continue their relationship with both parents after a separation or when there is domestic violence which makes it unsafe for parents to communicate directly with each other.
Just before Christmas Eve in 2013, a mother went to the Orange Park Mall to meet the father of her child and exchange custody. While she may have planned to do some last minute holiday shopping, she instead found herself in the back of an ambulance after the child’s father stabbed her and her boyfriend as the child looked on. At the exact same moment, two other local families were exchanging custody of their children at our partnership center inside the Barco Newton YMCA. These parents used our program to make sure their child was comfortable and safe while transitioning between time with their mother and father.
Had the parents been in our program instead of the mall parking lot, this violent incident would have been avoided and the child would not have experience such unspeakable trauma. Safe exchanges are a core part of our program services. In 2014, 1,193 safe exchanges were scheduled by families in crisis through our center. We have a 100% success rate for keeping victims safe from domestic violence and children free of abuse and neglect while participating in visitation and exchange services.
Our monitored exchange program allows children to be in a comfortable and secure setting when transitioning between their parents. It also ensures that the parents do not have any contact with each other, eliminating hostilities and potential violence.
All scheduling is documented, so both parents will have a record of the efforts to schedule exchanges and the outcome of each exchange appointment.
How do I get started?
Much like our supervised visitation services, we require that both parents separately complete an orientation appointment. In order to schedule an orientation session, we require that some background information be provided so that we can plan for your needs. The step by step process is as follows:
1. Contact FNC by phone at 904-389-4244 or complete the following inquiry form by clicking here.
2. Once you speak with FNC staff you will be sent an email with instructions on how to log into our secure system. Once logged in, you will update your personal contact information, provide the child(ren)’s information, and complete a “Case History Form.” Once this is completed, you must then contact the office to schedule your appointment.
3. You will attend your orientation appointment. If the other parent has already completed their orientation, your case will generally be opened within 1 week Both parents must complete an orientation session within 60 days of each other in order for us to move forward. Each parent is responsible for a $100.00 orientation & intake fee.
4. Once your case is open, you will be able to schedule appointments using our online secure scheduling system. Each parent may propose appointment dates and times based on FNC availability. Our scheduling system is “real time,” so it is important to log in regularly to respond to appointment requests.