Domestic Relations
Common Ground Supervised Access Program
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Common Ground Supervised Access Program
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The Common Ground Supervised Access Program is a project of the Greene County Family Court. Families may be referred to
Common Ground if they are experiencing intense conflict as a result of allegations of child abuse, child neglect, domestic
violence, drug use, or criminal activity - all of which prevent the parties from reaching an agreement regarding custody or
visitation of their child(ren). Common Ground visits can also provide an opportunity for a child to be introduced or
re-introduced to their non-residential parent before moving to unsupervised contact.
The purpose of Common Ground is to provide a safe setting for non-residential parents and their children to establish,
maintain and enhance healthy relationships. The underlying philosophy of Common Ground is that children have a need and a
right to healthy relationships with both parents.
Referrals to Common Ground come from the Greene County Family Court. Parents may be ordered to participate in either supervised visits or supervised exchanges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a supervised visit?
Supervised Visits are scheduled for a non-residential parent and child(ren) so they may visit with each other in a setting
that is closely monitored by a trained observer in a safe and neutral environment for both parent and child(ren).
How much does Common Ground cost?
Visits are $20 per family for a one-hour visit. Typically the cost is split between the parties ($10 each per week),
however, the Court may order that one party be responsible for the entire weekly fee.
When are visits?
All visits occur on Tuesday and Thursday between the hours of 5pm and 8pm. Attempts are made to accommodate individual
schedules, but ultimately parties are expected to attend at available times.
How long does Common Ground last?
When a Family Court Commissioner signs an Order for Common Ground, the Order is effective for 120 days after the first
visit or exchange occurs. Common Ground may be terminated earlier than 120 days or extended for a longer period of time,
at the discretion of the Judge.
What if I want to use Common Ground but my co-parent doesn't?
Without a pending court case and court order, both parents must sign and agree to the guidelines of the Common Ground
program. These cases are treated just like the court ordered cases and are a small minority of the cases that are served
through Common Ground.
If you have a current pending Family Court case, you will participate in Common Ground via court order. If you are
represented by an attorney and are interested in participating, you should discuss it with your attorney who can request
that Common Ground be ordered by the Court. Pro Se litigants may also request that Common Ground be ordered by the Court.
How do we get started?
After Common Ground is ordered by the Court, each participant is required to contact the Common Ground Coordinator
to schedule their own intake appointment. During the intake, Common Ground guidelines and procedures will be addressed,
as well as any parental concerns. After both parties have completed an intake, visits or exchanges can be scheduled.
Is Common Ground safe?
Common Ground is a safe environment. Residential parents and non-residential parents have separate entrances to the
facility so they will not have to see one another for a visit or exchange. Law enforcement is on-site at all times.
Trained staff members monitor all visits, ensuring that participants follow the Common Ground guidelines and that the
visit proceeds at the pace and comfort level of the child.