Supervised Visitation and Child Exchange
The Umbrella Tree Child Safety Center is a program of the Violence Intervention Project. We provide a safe, neutral and nurturing environment for exchanges and supervised visitations between children and their non-custodial parents. We also provide referrals to education and support.
Who is eligible?
Families who have difficulty with visitation or exchange because of conflict or intimidation, including those who have experienced domestic abuse and child abuse or neglect. We serve all ages from birth up to age 18.
Do parents see each other at the Safety Center?
The Umbrella Tree maintains a no-contact policy between parents to eliminate stress on the children during visitation and to maintain a safe environment, especially when domestic violence has been an issues in the family.
How much does it cost?
There are some fees for Umbrella Tree services. In some cases, fees may be waived. The fee for the intake interview is a one-time, non-refundable fee of $25 (cash or check and must be paid before services are scheduled).
Getting Started
Please call The Umbrella Tree at 218-681-5557 for more information or to make an appointment for an intake interview. Both parents/parties must contact the Umbrella Tree; the coordinator will not make the initial call to either parent. This is the first step to begin services.
Both parents must complete an intake before the first visit or exchange can be scheduled. Intakes for each parents are scheduled separately, and it takes approximately an hour to complete paperwork and review the policies and procedures. Parents will receive a copy of the Parent Handbook for their reference.
Parenting times are scheduled according to court orders, the recommendation of a caseworker or GAL, or other referring agency that specifies the length and frequency of visitation. Parenting times must be within the program's business hours and availability.
For more information, contact:
Leah, Umbrella Tree Program Coordinator
Violence Intervention Project
Box 96
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Phone: 218-681-5557
Toll Free: 800-660-6667
Fax: 218-681-5626