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Traverse City
231-946-8975

Harbor Springs
231-347-4463

 SAFE HAVEN

Safe Haven is our supervised visitation and exchange program for families that have experienced domestic violence. Safe Haven allows for the stress-free, safe exchange of children between custodial and non-custodial parents when face-to-face meetings may escalate into additional verbal or physical violence. The program eliminates the risk of assault and substantially reduces the risk of emotional abuse during visits and exchanges, and helps allow children to maintain relationships with both their parents in the wake of their family's breakup. Since its inception in 2004, the program has grown from three to 43 families, serving more than 300 children ages two months to 17 years.

Safe Haven also offers the "Always a Parent" program to individuals who are co-parenting - that is, they share a child but don't live together - and who because of trauma, abuse, or domestic violence that has resulted in divorce or separation have trouble communicating effectively and positively. "Always a Parent" provides parenting education that defines the impact of parents' behavior on the child.  It shows that cooperative communication will help children and their parents overcome anger, grief, and depression, and lead to positive and healthy relationships.  Classes are four consecutive Saturdays for two hours each at Child and Family Services' Traverse City office. Free child care is available for children aged 5-12. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the full course. "Always a Parent" charges a fee of $40 for the full course, including the certificate. The fee may be waived if referred by an agency or other community resource.

Call or email: 

231-946-8975 Traverse City   231-347-4463 Harbor Springs     psmith@cfsmail.org

Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan is a 501(c)(3) organization.

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