Common Ground Supervised Access Program
Common Ground Supervised Access Program
(417) 829-6113
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).
What is a supervised exchange?
Supervised Exchanges are scheduled for those families in need of a safe and neutral environment where exchanges can occur without conflict between parents.
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.
The cost for a supervised weekend exchange is $40. ($20 for the initial exchange on Friday and $20 for the return exchange on Sunday) The Court will decide how the costs are to be divided between the parties.
When are visits?
All visits occur on Monday 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.
When are exchanges?
Initial exchanges are at 5:30pm Friday. Return exchanges are at 5:30pm Sunday.
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?
Referrals to Common Ground must be court ordered. If you 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.