Safe Visits & Exchanges
Community gathered to celebrate the expansion of children’s safe exchange and visitation to Boyle, Garrard, Lincoln, and Mercer counties.
Safe exchange and visitation services reduce risks for violence while encouraging healing and healthy parent-child connections.
Members of Grace Church have generously provided secure space for services to be delivered in the children’s wing of their facility in Danville. A partnership with the Danville Police Department promotes additional safety during service operation hours.
“Our goal is for visitations and exchanges to be predictable, reliable, and positive for children and youth.” says Darlene Thomas, executive director. “Safety and confidentiality are critically important for best practice.”
Remarks from Grace Church Lead Pastor Shane Terrell, Danville Mayor J.H. Atkins, The Honorable Bruce Petrie, and The Honorable Trille Bottom offered evidence for the need and support of the services.
”When we come together as a community, it speaks volumes to survivors and their children,” says Darlene. “It tells survivors and their children that they have value, they have worth, they deserve safety.”
Expansion of services was made possible through the support of Grace Church, Heart of Kentucky United Way, the Hudson-Ellis Fund at Blue Grass Community Foundation, The City of Danville, Boyle County Fiscal Court, Mercer County Fiscal Court, and other state and federal funding.
Up to 30 weekly visits and exchanges can be facilitated from the new Danville service location. Children’s safe exchange and visitation services are also offered in Lexington and Georgetown. Click here for more information.
