Improving Safety for Children and Parents

A new federal grant will strengthen our community’s safe visitation and exchange services for children.

The three-year award was received through a competitive application for Grants to Support Families in the Justice System, commonly known as the Justice for Families Program. Only 24 communities in the nation were selected for funding last year.

“This is a major investment that responds to a critical need in our communities,” says Scott Lancaster, manager of our safe exchange and visitation program. “The funding helps stabilize the operation of our existing services while expanding partnerships to support children and their parents.”

The Justice for Families Program is dedicated to improving the civil and criminal justice system for families with a history of intimate partner abuse and other violence. Guiding principles of the program include equal regard for the safety of children and adults through respectful and fair interactions.

A team united in these goals will bring varied experience and perspective to the effort. Partners include the Board of Directors for the Lexington Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Coalition, Georgetown Police Department, and Boyle County and Mercer County Family Court.

“Children deserve safety and predictability. I’m proud that our organization was able to ensure continuation of safe visitation and exchange services in the region seven years ago and honored the program has received federal support.”

The Grants to Support Families in the Justice System program is authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 2013 per 34 U.S. Code § 12464. Neither the funder nor its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this program, including, without limitation, the program content, technical infrastructure, policies, and any services or tools provided.