FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We get it, it's all a little confusing. We are here to help.
HOW MUCH IS IT AND HOW DO I PAY?
The one time intake is $60. Visitation is $55/hour. Effective March 9, 2025, intakes with be $70 and visitation will be $65/hour. Payment is due at the time of service. At this time, we accept cash, check, credit card or Venmo.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
Our visitation consultant will be with you for the duration of the parenting time. The consultant must be able to hear and see everything that is said. Unless there is a court order for light supervision, full supervision is provided.
HOW SOON CAN THE FIRST VISIT HAPPEN?
The non-custodial parent is required to complete an intake prior to any visits being scheduled. After the intake the visit is coordinated and typically occurs within one week of the intake. You’ll get assigned a visitation consultant that stays with your family. Visits will typically be the same day/time each week. If the custodial parent would like to complete an intake, they are able to do, the fee is $60.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
The non-custodial parent is responsible for everything needed to parent during the parenting time. This includes drinks, food, diapers, wipes etc.
CAN THE VISITS TAKE PLACE AT MY HOUSE?
Yes, SFF does home based visitation so long as it is consistent with court orders, if applicable. The first visit always takes place in the community. Prior to visits in the home, SFF conducts a home safety inspection. The fee is a one-time fee of $50.
WHERE DO PEOPLE USUALLY DO VISITS?
SFF now offers a visitation center. The center offers private space for families. The center has a kitchen, space to do homework and a living area with games and toys. We also offer a membership for the Providence Children’s Museum and often parents use this resource. Otherwise, families do visits at parks, the zoo, playgrounds, restaurants, trampoline parks and bowling alleys. We are flexible, just check with your consultant. SFF does not provide transportation so the custodial parent or their designee would need to agree to the visit location and provide transportation. If you pick a location that has a paid admission, you’re responsible for your child(ren) and the consultant. This includes activities such as concerts, plays, movies, the zoo.
CAN ANYONE JOIN ME FOR MY VISITS?
Third party visitors are allowed if agreed upon by both parties and/or court ordered. Remember, visits are to continue your bond and for SFF to assess your parenting. This is accomplished much easier if no one else is with you. Parents must request a guest several days before the visit so that it can be approved.
DO I NEED A COURT ORDER TO USE THE PROGRAM?
No court order is required, but the custodial parent has to agree.
IS SFF APPROVED BY THE FAMILY COURT?
Yes, we are an approved visitation program with the court. We provided written court reports. Parents must request court reports 2 weeks in advance. Court reports are $50, if the request for the report is rushed there is an additional fee.
MY EX AND I HAVE AN NCO OR R/O, HOW IS THIS HANDLED?
The assigned consultant will meet the custodial parent and the child at the car and walk them into the visit location. After the visit the same will happen. SFF does all of the scheduling, so parents are not required to communicate.
IF MY EX IS LATE TO THE VISIT, DO I STILL PAY?
Yes, you are paying for the consultants time. Late arrival and departures will be documented and reported to the court. If a parent is more than 15 minutes late the visit is cancelled and charged the full amount. If the custodial parent is late to pick the child up they will be charged a separate fee.