More About the DVA Program

  

DVA provides the following services for parents and children:

 

 

 

 
“Divorce and Children” parent education class

Cleveland County judges require the completion of this course for all divorcing couples with minor children.  Class topics include the effects of divorce on children and cooperative parenting skills.

 

• 4-hour seminar, available two weekends per month
• Advanced enrollment is required.  We cannot accept applications past 12:00 p.m. on Fridays. However, classes do fill up quickly so the sooner you can enroll the better.

 

Click here to access the enrollment form

        

 

 

“Children in the Middle” parent education class

This class series is neccessary for all parents needing to use our mediation, supervised visit, or supervised exchange services.  This class teaches useful skills to parents struggling with intense emotions, unproductive communication or challenging child behavior as a result of separation or divorce.  Topics of discussion include keeping children out of the middle of adult conflicts while developing more productive communication between parents.

 

• 1.5 hour sessions, once per week for 8 weeks
• Various session times available, opposing parties must attend separate sessions.

 

Click here to access the enrollment form

  

 

 

Supervised Visits

Many children do not have the opportunity to have healthy and consistent relationships with their parents due to long-time lapses in contact or safety issues.  Even when issues of domestic violence, abuse and neglect, or substance abuse are concerns, secure relationships can be established through parent coaching and monitoring, and healthy parent-child interaction. 

 

Supervised visitations reduce stress for kids and provides supervision on-site and staff are present during all visits.  Interactions between parents and children are documented in the confidential family case file.  Most visits are available on the weekend and may occur weekly or every two weeks.

“Children in the Middle” parenting class is required for all Supervised Visitation Services.

 

 

 

 

 

Supervised Exchanges

If parents are unable to have face-to-face contact without getting into conflict, supervised exchanges may be an option.  With professional monitoring at a neutral location, a child’s trauma is reduced and parents are less apt to engage in destructive or harmful behaviors in front of their children. 

 

Supervised exchanges reduce contact between parents and allow a child’s transition between homes to be in a conflict-free atmosphere.  Exchanges are scheduled throughout the week and on weekends, subject to court requirements and staff availability.

“Children in the Middle” parenting class is required for all Supervised Exchange Services.

 

 

 

 

Mediation

In mediation a neutral professional assists family members in discussing and resolving issues.  Parents use the communication and business partnering skills they will have learned in taking the “Children in the Middle” class in order to develop unique parenting plans that meet the needs of the children.  In mediation, parents have the decision-making power.