Our supervised access program provides a safe, neutral, and child-focused setting for children to visit with their non-custodial parent. All visits and exchanges take place under the supervision of trained staff and volunteers. Our job is to ensure that the visit is safe for the child(ren). We can hear what is said and write a brief, neutral summary of the visit. We will intervene when comments are made that contravene our program guidelines.
Although our agency is also a private investigation agency, our supervised access workers are NOT private investigators. Our workers come from a variety of educational backgrounds working with youth and adults. Most of our workers either are graduated social workers, or individuals who have a wealth of experience working in the justice system, or with families in high-conflict situations. We always conduct conflict of interest checks between our clients' families and our workers.
Although our agency is also a private investigation agency, our supervised access workers are NOT private investigators. Our workers come from a variety of educational backgrounds working with youth and adults. Most of our workers either are graduated social workers, or individuals who have a wealth of experience working in the justice system, or with families in high-conflict situations. We always conduct conflict of interest checks between our clients' families and our workers.
Inclusion & Diversity |
Transparency in Our Reporting |
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Our program is designed with inclusivity as a core principle. We offer services that cater to all individuals, providing a safe space for families irrespective of gender, race, skin color, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age. Our staff is non-judgmental, treating every client with equal respect. During your engagement with our program, our staff will inquire about your preferred gender pronouns to ensure respectful communication.
Beyond simply asserting our commitment to diversity, we actively demonstrate it through the implementation of our program. If you have specific religious or cultural activities you'd like your child to participate in during your visitation time, we welcome the opportunity to accompany you, pending approval from the day-to-day parent and/or court orders. While our staff may not share the same religious beliefs or possess knowledge of your culture, they approach such experiences with an open mind, viewing them as valuable learning opportunities. If your family communicates in a language other than English, we strive to accommodate this by assigning a worker fluent in your language. Please note that there may be a waitlist depending on the specific language requirements. |
Our program staff take detailed notes, documenting access visitations and exchanges. We furnish copies of our supervised access notes and reports to all involved parties, including legal counsel. Our workers undergo comprehensive training in factual documentation, abstaining from attributing feelings or emotions to family actions. We refrain from offering opinions in our notes, maintaining an objective stance.
While our documentation focuses on facts and observations, we acknowledge that, on occasion, we may be called upon to provide testimony in litigation proceedings, where inquiries about our perspectives may arise. We diligently document all interactions involving the entire family unit participating in our program. |
Disclaimer: In order to provide the best service to you all of our inbound and outbound calls are recorded. Your information is confidential and we do not provide any information to third parties without your written consent or unless required to do so by law.
Application Process
To apply for our program, please complete the form below. Alternatively, you may request the form via email.
Before submitting your application, please note:
Before submitting your application, please note:
- Each parent/guardian must complete and submit a separate application form. Submitting the form is a request to participate and does not guarantee service. It is not a legal document and does not replace a Family Court Order for custody and access.
- Please include a copy of your Court Order, Minutes of Settlement, Endorsement, or Mediation Agreement with the application form. If you don't have a Court Order, a Mutual Agreement signed by both parents/guardians may suffice, but legal advice is encouraged. Notify us promptly of any changes to your Court Order.
- Upon form submission, you'll receive a copy via email to the address provided.
- Information provided on this form is confidential and not shared with the other party, governed under the Freedom of Information & Privacy Act.
If you are the day-to-day caregiver for the child(ren) or vulnerable adult please fill out the form above.
If you are the parent, or adult who requires supervision with a child or vulnerable adult, please fill out the form below.
Please Note: We reserve the right to deny services to families that we believe are not suitable for our program. Submitting an application for services through our program does not guarantee participation in our program. There may be a waitlist for services.
If you are the parent, or adult who requires supervision with a child or vulnerable adult, please fill out the form below.
Please Note: We reserve the right to deny services to families that we believe are not suitable for our program. Submitting an application for services through our program does not guarantee participation in our program. There may be a waitlist for services.
COVID-19 Protocols
Our organization respects individuals' privacy regarding vaccination status, considering it as personal medical information. Therefore, we will not inquire about your vaccination status. Additionally, under the Freedom of Information & Privacy Act, we are not authorized to disclose whether our workers are vaccinated or not, as this information is considered personal medical data.
However, it's important to note that our organization adheres strictly to Provincial & Federal health guidelines and mandates. All employees working in the community and with families follow these protocols to ensure public health safety.
Our company adheres to local COVID-19 guidelines and has implemented additional measures to safeguard our employees and clients. Mask wearing is mandatory in establishments where required, unless exempted. Social distancing is enforced whenever feasible.
While we serve unvaccinated individuals, there may be instances where a supervised access worker opts not to work with an unvaccinated participant. Workplace safety regulations permit workers to decline service in such cases. Consequently, if you choose not to be vaccinated, there may be instances where your visit is rescheduled with another supervised access worker due to their discretion and our caseload constraints.
However, it's important to note that our organization adheres strictly to Provincial & Federal health guidelines and mandates. All employees working in the community and with families follow these protocols to ensure public health safety.
Our company adheres to local COVID-19 guidelines and has implemented additional measures to safeguard our employees and clients. Mask wearing is mandatory in establishments where required, unless exempted. Social distancing is enforced whenever feasible.
While we serve unvaccinated individuals, there may be instances where a supervised access worker opts not to work with an unvaccinated participant. Workplace safety regulations permit workers to decline service in such cases. Consequently, if you choose not to be vaccinated, there may be instances where your visit is rescheduled with another supervised access worker due to their discretion and our caseload constraints.
Abusive Language/Behaviour
We reserve the right to cancel, terminate, or refuse services if you or another participant engage in abusive, violent, hateful, or offensive behavior toward our employees or any individuals present before, during, or after your visit. Ensuring the safety of our employees is paramount, and any form of offensive language or actions will not be tolerated.
Intake Process
Once both parents/guardians have submitted their service applications, the program coordinator will contact each to schedule separate intake interviews. During these interviews, the coordinator will review the application, explain program guidelines, collect family history, and request consent for information sharing.
Here's what happens next:
Please note:
Here's what happens next:
- Fill out the Supervised Access Program Application Form.
- Await our call to schedule your telephone intake appointment.
- After completing the intake and acceptance into our program, you'll receive a welcome letter via email.
- Wait to be matched with a worker. Upon successful matching, you'll receive an email outlining your scheduled visit.
- The visit will take place.
Please note:
- Both parties must complete their intake before receiving our services.
- Each participant covers their intake fees unless otherwise specified by a court order.
- We may request additional documents via email before your intake appointment, such as child protection agency records, restraining orders, proof of income, or any other relevant documents you have.
How long will I wait to start visits?
The wait time for an intake interview varies depending on demand and availability. Once applications and interviews are completed, visits begin as openings become available. Wait times range from weeks to several months due to demand. This process ensures suitable worker matching and understanding of family needs. Intake interviews are conducted via telephone.
When are visits and exchanges possible?
Exchanges occur weekly on a predetermined schedule. Our workers arrive 15 minutes before the exchange time. Continuous tardiness may disqualify participation. We operate 365 days a year, including holidays. Visit our 'Contact Us' page for hours.
SAP Office Visits
In Alberta, we do not offer in-office visits. All visits occur in the community or the supervised access parent's home, following a home study.
In-Community Visits
Each family is assigned a supervised access worker who remains consistent for visits. A backup worker is available when needed to maintain continuity.
When would visits be terminated?
Participation can continue until children reach the age of majority, or until program guidelines are breached. Alternatives to continued supervised access must be proposed by parents, their lawyers, or the court.
Information for Service Providers and Professionals
Legal or child protection agencies in urgent need of SAP visitation for court proceedings receive priority.
Children Protection Involvement
We offer supervised visits for families involved with child protection agencies. Observation notes are provided upon request from involved social workers.
Testifying in Court/Copies of Observation Notes
SAP workers may testify in court in extreme cases. Incident reports are provided if needed. Fees apply for court attendance.
Worker Training
All SAP workers undergo rigorous screening annually. They come from various backgrounds with a focus on child safety and matching family needs.
Regulatory Oversight
We advocate for government oversight to ensure accountability in supervised access services.
Complaint Resolution
Complaints are addressed promptly by our program coordinator, with investigations conducted when necessary.
Video/Audio Recording
Recording ensures accountability and safety for families and staff. Recordings are only shared with court orders or legal requirements. Participants may request copies of their recordings.
We prioritize safety and accountability to ensure the best experience for families in our program.
The wait time for an intake interview, after receiving both applications for service, depends on the number of families requesting service and on the availability of day and time for visits. Once parents have completed the application process and intake interview, the visits can start as soon as there is an opening on a day and time that works for your family. When there is a wait list, there may be a wait of weeks to several months. This process is very important, as we want to make sure we match the appropriate worker with your family, and it allows us to get to know what your needs are as a family. We do not want to rush this process, and our intake interviews are conducted via telephone.
The wait time for an intake interview varies depending on demand and availability. Once applications and interviews are completed, visits begin as openings become available. Wait times range from weeks to several months due to demand. This process ensures suitable worker matching and understanding of family needs. Intake interviews are conducted via telephone.
When are visits and exchanges possible?
Exchanges occur weekly on a predetermined schedule. Our workers arrive 15 minutes before the exchange time. Continuous tardiness may disqualify participation. We operate 365 days a year, including holidays. Visit our 'Contact Us' page for hours.
SAP Office Visits
In Alberta, we do not offer in-office visits. All visits occur in the community or the supervised access parent's home, following a home study.
In-Community Visits
Each family is assigned a supervised access worker who remains consistent for visits. A backup worker is available when needed to maintain continuity.
When would visits be terminated?
Participation can continue until children reach the age of majority, or until program guidelines are breached. Alternatives to continued supervised access must be proposed by parents, their lawyers, or the court.
Information for Service Providers and Professionals
Legal or child protection agencies in urgent need of SAP visitation for court proceedings receive priority.
Children Protection Involvement
We offer supervised visits for families involved with child protection agencies. Observation notes are provided upon request from involved social workers.
Testifying in Court/Copies of Observation Notes
SAP workers may testify in court in extreme cases. Incident reports are provided if needed. Fees apply for court attendance.
Worker Training
All SAP workers undergo rigorous screening annually. They come from various backgrounds with a focus on child safety and matching family needs.
Regulatory Oversight
We advocate for government oversight to ensure accountability in supervised access services.
Complaint Resolution
Complaints are addressed promptly by our program coordinator, with investigations conducted when necessary.
Video/Audio Recording
Recording ensures accountability and safety for families and staff. Recordings are only shared with court orders or legal requirements. Participants may request copies of their recordings.
We prioritize safety and accountability to ensure the best experience for families in our program.
The wait time for an intake interview, after receiving both applications for service, depends on the number of families requesting service and on the availability of day and time for visits. Once parents have completed the application process and intake interview, the visits can start as soon as there is an opening on a day and time that works for your family. When there is a wait list, there may be a wait of weeks to several months. This process is very important, as we want to make sure we match the appropriate worker with your family, and it allows us to get to know what your needs are as a family. We do not want to rush this process, and our intake interviews are conducted via telephone.