Family Peace Center – Supervised Visitation & Exchange Program Overview

To provide a safe and caring environment where children and parents build healthy relationships and strong families.

Program Description

The Family Peace Center is a program of the Family Services Department of the Second Judicial District Court. The Family Peace Center provides visitation (in-person and virtual on the zoom platform) and exchange services six days a week, offering a safe space for maintaining relationships or re-establishing contact between children and parents when visiting rights have been interrupted or is unsafe after separation or divorce. All referrals to the Family Peace Center come from the Family Division of the District Court, and there is no cost to participants. Two levels of service are provided: on-site visitation where up to four families visit in a structured setting with three monitors overseeing the visit and monitored exchanges where children are transferred from one parent to the other for court-ordered visitation in a neutral and safe environment.

As one parent describes using the service: "It was just so helpful for all of us. And yes, it cut back on tension in the air and reduced my feelings of anxiety about my child’s contact with my ex."" Among the things that children report liking: the availability of games and activities, being supervised, feeling safe, having other children around with similar experiences, and the ability to spend quality time with a parent.

Accessible Services and Support

One full-time Coordinator manages referrals, provides new family orientation, schedules visits and exchanges, and submits reports to the court. Ten intermittent monitors oversee visitation.

Summary of Services

The year the Family Peace Center started at the Second Judicial District Court
1996
Number of visits facilitated annually
200
Who came up with the Family Peace Center
Judge Charles McGee

Referral Information

You have been referred to the Second Judicial District Court's Family Peace Center. The Family Peace Center is a court service designed to ensure children can have safe, conflict-free access to parents with whom they do not reside. The following will provide you some basic information.

  • A safe, non-judgmental place for parents (custodial and non-custodial) to exchange or visit their children during the time they have cases pending in the Family Division.
  • A resource that helps families as they go through difficult and/or transitional times.

  • Supervised Visitation refers to contact between a non-custodial parent and children in the presence of a third person responsible for observing and seeking to ensure the safety of those involved.
  • Supervised Exchange is supervision of the transfer of the child from one parent to the other. Precautions are taken to assure that the two parents exchanging the child do not come into contact with one another.

Both Supervised Visits and Supervised Exchanges are designed to give children an opportunity to have safe contact with an absent parent without having to be put in the middle of the parents' conflicts. Some of the benefits are:

For the children:

  • It allows the child to maintain a relationship with both of their parents.
  • It allows them to anticipate the visits without stress of worrying about what is going to happen.

For the Custodial Parent:

  • You do not have to communicate or have contact with a person with whom you are in conflict.
  • You can relax and feel comfortable allowing your child to have contact with the other parent.

For the Visiting Parent:

  • You can be sure that your contact with your children does not have to be interrupted.
  • When using a visitation service, you can be assured that the supervisors are neutral and objective.

  • The Family Peace Center is located at the District Courthouse, 350 S. Center Street, Reno, Nevada 89501. There is a bus stop nearby if you use public transportation.
  • The phone number is (775) 328-3830. You are required to attend a 45-minute intake/orientation session before services begin.
  • There is often a waiting list, so it is important to call as soon after Court as possible.

Not at this time. This is a service of the Second Judicial District Court – Family Division. However, you must be Court ordered to receive Family Peace Center services.

Remember, this is about your children and their needs. It may require some compromises on your part. Parenting is challenging, and our staff is experienced and professional. They will guide you through the process and do everything they can to assure that your child’s needs are met.

Contact

Phone: (775) 328-3830

Hours of Operation

Monday: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed

Location

350 S. Center Street
Reno, NV 89501