By: Laura Ginsberg As part of the 25th Judicial Circuit’s family court program, Pathways Community Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., is helping keep families connected by providing a safe, neutral environment for supervised visitations and child exchanges through the Assisted Custody Transition (ACT) program.

Often in cases concerning the divorce or separation of parents, a legal stalemate can result in an interruption in contact between children and the parent with whom they do not reside. This is especially true in cases where domestic violence or other adverse circumstances are an issue.

Sometimes, this interruption can last for weeks or even months while the case makes its way through the court system. The ACT program aims to remedy this problem by allowing parental visitation to continue during the process of litigation.

"The court process can be a very stressful and destabilizing time in a family’s life," said Dr. Deborah McKee, psychologist and director of outpatient services and clinical training at Pathways. "Developmentally, it is important that children have some consistency in their lives. Contact with their parents is important until the court decides on custody issues."

Currently, the 25th Judicial Circuit is offering the ACT program at Pathways Community Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., facilities in Rolla and Waynesville, with plans to offer services in Texas County after Jan. 1. At Pathways, children and parents can remain in contact in a comfortable, homelike environment that both parents know will be safe. The use of one-way mirrors allows staff to supervise visitations without infringing on the privacy of the family. The ability to maintain a relationship with their non-residential parent can help alleviate a child’s fears about that parent’s well being. Visits also can help children slowly come to terms with their parents’ separation or divorce. In addition, the ACT program can help provide parents with a clearer picture of one another’s intentions with regard to the children.

"Divorce and the resulting custody disputes frequently bring out the worst in parents," said David Duncan, vice president of Pathways’ Eastern Division. "I think what we are doing in the Assisted Custody Transition program is giving parents each the chance to see the other parent wants what is best for the child, loves the child, and is a reasonable and responsible parent."

Duncan adds that the ACT program also can be useful in helping parents mend damaged relationships with their children.

"The ACT program provides the opportunity for parents who have been abusive or neglectful to reconnect with their children in a non-threatening and comfortable environment that also provides structure and safety for the children, and assurance for the custodial parent or guardian that the children are safe," he said.

As part of the ACT program, Pathways Community Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., also offers supervised child exchanges. Supervised exchanges are intended for parents who have unsupervised visitation rights with their children, but need to be able to make exchanges without interacting with the other parent.

As part of the ACT program, Pathways Community Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., also offers supervised child exchanges. Supervised exchanges are intended for parents who have unsupervised visitation rights with their children, but need to be able to make exchanges without interacting with the other parent.

"Strict adherence to the program rules and guidlines is required to ensure the safety and well being of the children, which is first and foremost our priority," said McKee."It is our greatest intention to serve our clients during what is a difficult time in their lives."

Pathways Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., is located at 1450 E. 10th St., in Rolla. The Rolla facility can be contacted at 573-364-7551. Pathways’ Waynesville facility is located at 704 Historic 66 W. Suite 106, and can be contacted at 573-774-3121.