Supervised Access Program
The Supervised Access Program provides a safe, non-threatening, child-focused and neutral environment for families who are experiencing a high-conflict separation or divorce and are having difficulties over custody and access arrangements.
Supervised Parenting Time
Provides an opportunity for non-residential parents to spend time with their child(ren) while custody and parenting time issues are being resolved. Supervised parenting time takes place on-site and is fully supervised by trained staff to ensure children are safe and comfortable. Staff encourage positive parent/child interactions. Staff document impartial factual observations and intervene when the safety, health or well-being of the child or other participants is at risk.
Due to the high volume of clients, the Program can accommodate a maximum of 2 hour visits every two weeks. Staff facilitators accompany children throughout the access.
Supervised Exchanges
Provides a safe transfer of children between parents for an off-site visit. The exchanges help ease tensions of access arrangements for children and parents, eliminating direct contact between parents and reducing opportunities for children to be subjected to conflict at the time of access. Parents do not come in contact with one another due to staggered arrival times. Staff communicate child related information between parents such as medication, health and/or behavioural concerns. Staff document impartial factual observations of separation and greetings at the time of exchanges and accompany children through the building.
Intake Process
Both Residential and Non-Residential Parents are required to contact the program prior to scheduling and completing an intake appointment. Intakes for parents are scheduled on separate days and times. Supervised parenting time and exchanges will only be scheduled once both parents have completed their intake appointment and all required information and documentation has been received.
For both services, participants are asked to sign an Agreement of Service which outlines the standards of conduct to ensure children have a child-focused and positive experience while in the building. Program requires copies of parenting time agreement, custody orders, mutual agreements, and any other relevant documents (ex. no-contact orders, restraining orders, probation or bail conditions). If legal documents change at any time, participants must update the program as soon as possible and provide an up-to-date copy.
Wait List
The program has a high volume of clients and the wait for the Supervised Access Program in London can be a couple of months from the date that both parents first contact the program. Calls are returned and intakes scheduled in the sequence in which they are received.
Fees
The Supervised Access Program is a pay-for-use service. Fees are based on income. Unless specified in a court order or legal document, each participant has a responsibility to pay for service. Service may be terminated if fees have not been paid. Please contact the program for full details.
Cancellations
Participants cancelling scheduled access must notify the program as soon as possible. Program Staff will notify the other participant of the cancellation. Rescheduling access will be based on the agreement of both parties and the availability of the program. Consecutive cancellations or consecutive no shows by either participant may result in suspension of access..
Hours of Operation
Hours of operation for each site are available via the links below. Please note that drop-in appointments can not be accommodated. Please contact the program to request an appointment
Contact
SAP London-Middlesex
Tel.519-858-9905
Fax. 519-434-6851
Email. sap@merrymount.on.ca
SAP Oxford County
Tel. 519-533-1379
Fax. 519-533-1794
Email. sapelginoxford@merrymount.on.ca
SAP Elgin County
Tel. 519-637-1667
Fax. 519-637-2230
Email. sapelginoxford@merrymount.on.ca
Please click the links below to view our Supervised Access Program information in pdf format.
The Supervised Access Program is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services