Tax ID #87-3188779
(503) 442-2296referrals@familyskillbuilders.org
Make a Donation

Safe Connection

Safe Connection

Clackamas Safe Connection provides supervised parenting time and safe exchanges for families with a history of domestic violence, stalking, and/or sexual assault.

Visits are scheduled by appointment only
Saturday or Sunday

Location
Oregon City, OR

Cost
Free

features of safe connection

    safety

    Safety is the number one priority at the Center.

    no-contact

    Staff ensure there is no contact between parents.

    child-led

    Children have a voice in how and when their visits occur.

    dv lens

    Staff have over 40 hours of Domestic Violence Advocacy training.

supervised parenting time

In some situations, based on concerns for protection and safety, a concerned party (such as a social service program, a court, or community corrections) may recommend that a child only have contact with a parent when a neutral third person is present. They may recommend this for many reasons, which may include claims, or a history, of intimate partner violence. This type of third-person visitation arrangement is often called “supervised parenting time” or “supervised visitation.” The purpose of supervised parenting time is to allow the parent access to their child in a safe environment, continue to support the parent-child relationship, while ensuring that the child and parent who experienced harm are not physically or emotionally harmed.

That’s where Clackamas Safe Connection can help! Our skilled Facilitators supervise parenting time for visiting parents and their children. Visits occur on weekends and are one hour in length.

safe exchanges

COMING SOON: Our skilled Facilitators will ensure smooth, safe transitions of children from one parent to the other while upholding no contact orders. These exchanges will occur on weekends.

Intake Form

Do you need support, or know someone who may need support?

Direct Contact Information

The Impact Of Our Work

How families have benefitted from our program.

  • 0+

    visits

    Provided for families in need of supervised parenting time.
  • 0%

    of participants

    Strongly agreed that they felt safe at our center.
Get In Touch with Safe Connection

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why use Safe Connection?

    Most parents do use family members or friends to supervise their parenting time, and in many cases that works just fine. When there is a concern that a parent may try to use the visits as a way to get back at the other parent or pressure a child for information, make promises about the future, or possibly try to abduct the child – the other parent may prefer to use Clackamas Safe Connection.

    Clackamas Safe Connection is designed to maintain safety and support a connection between a child and their other parent. Supervised parenting time works to ensure a safe environment is maintained for adult survivors and their children. It is a scheduled amount of time for children to safely spend at the center with the parent with whom they don’t live. A trained staff member is always with the children and this parent. The Center also provides safety for all parents fearing contact, manipulation, or abuse from their child’s other parent.

    We at Clackamas Safe Connection:

    -honor every child’s existing bonds and attachments,
    -promote the individual strengths of each family,
    -respect the unique and changing needs of each family,
    -respect each family’s culture, faith, and rituals, and
    -provide a community connection to available resources.

  • How do I get started?

    One parent must reside in Clackamas County to receive this service. While Clackamas Safe Connection does serve families who elect on their own to use the center, frequently families are referred by agencies and other programs in the community (such as social service programs, courts, or community corrections). To begin, the program should receive a registration form for both parents indicating they wish to access services. Parents and children participate in individual orientation appointments with program staff. During the appointment staff get to know the parent and their relationship with the other parent and their children. The center guidelines are explained and possible schedules are proposed for the visits.

  • Is it safe?

    Clackamas Safe Connection is part of a national network of visitation centers created under the Department of Justice – Office on Violence Against Women, Justice For Families program to serve families impacted by intimate partner abuse. We use procedures, training for staff and security measures that have been proven to result in a safer environment for everyone. These types of supervised parenting time centers have very good safety track records – far better than using family and friends for visits.

  • Will my information be kept confidential?

    All contact information is kept absolutely confidential, and we strive to keep all family matters private. However, we may be subject by orders from the court to provide records. The information we keep about visits is limited and focused on safety.

  • What do I do now?

    If you are interested in our services, you can contact us via:

    Email: safeconnection@familyskillbuilders.org

    Phone: 503-888-8955

    I advocate and encourage families to refer themselves to Family SkillBuilders. It’s such a powerful experience, and it’s okay to ask for help before becoming so overwhelmed.

    Program Parent

    I called Family SkillBuilders again for more support when I felt overwhelmed. Once again, we were blessed—our Family Support Specialist provided so much information about my son’s diagnosis and reminded me that anything is possible.

    Program Mother

    As a single mother of 4, I can say that because of Family SkillBuilders helping and guiding me on my journey, my kids have been back home for 10 years after foster care. Now, I am a full-time college student alongside my oldest daughter, and we’re both pursuing social work.

    Mother of 4

    Their Family Support Specialist came into my life without any judgment. She listened to me, validated me, and even understood when I said, ‘I don’t know how to be a mom, and she’s my 3rd child.’ She taught me forgiveness, integrity, compassion, accountability, and guidance.

    Parent

    I figured now was the time to set a goal of breaking cycles and not feeling ashamed for asking for help. I knew what kind of mom I had been, and I just knew—that is not the mom I wanted to continue being.

    Mom

    I just love Family SkillBuilders, out of all the services I do this one has taught me the most

    Parent

    “Program staff provide a safe space, they communicate well, and I know my children are heard, understood, and their best interests are first and foremost.”

    Survivor Parent

Your Safe Connection Team

Real People. Real Support.

Clackamas Safe Connection is supported by Grant # 15JOVW-23-GG-00344-JFFX awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Department of Justice.

Support Families, Create Futures

Your generosity empowers families to thrive. Donate today and make a difference.

escape