Family Services
Family Peace Center – Supervised Visitation & Exchange Program Overview
Contact
Phone: (775) 328-3830
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location
350 S. Center StreetReno, NV 89501
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
Referral Information
What is the Family Peace Center?
- 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.
What is Supervised Visitation?
- 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.
What is the Purpose?
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Where do the visits and exchanges take place and how do I get started?
- 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. It is your responsibility to contact us. You will be required to attend a 45 minute intake/orientation session before your visit or exchange begins. You will tour the Family Peace Center, go over our guidelines and we will work out times for your visits and/or exchanges.
- There is often a waiting list so it is important to call as soon after Court as possible.
Is there a fee?
Remember, this is about your children and their needs. It may require some compromises on your part. Parenting is challenging and we need to be sure that we do not let minor inconveniences interfere with your child's right for time and attention from both parents. 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.
To provide a safe and caring environment where children and parents build healthy relationships and strong families.