When can I see my child(ren)?
Once a court order is received by Family Connections, exchanges can start in approximately two weeks.

Will I have to see the other parent?
No. Family Connections policies state that Home and Away parents arrive and leave at different times to avoid any contact between the parties. Neither party is allowed to linger outside the courthouse or in the parking lot while they are picking up, dropping off, or having Time Sharing with the child(ren).

Is there a cost?
Yes, monitored exchange and mini-monitored exchange cost $10 per exchange. Who pays the cost is determined by the Judge and it may be spilt between the parties, paid by one party, or waived completely.

Where do the exchanges take place?
Exchanges take place in the Main Judicial Complex at 205 N. Dixie Highway.

Is it safe?
Yes, because time sharing occurs at the courthouse, the Away parent, child(ren), and monitors must go through court security. At least one Deputy Sheriff is always present in the Time Sharing area and regular courthouse security area always present.

What is the difference between Monitored Exchange and Mini-Monitored Exchange?
Monitored exchange allows for overnight Time Sharing. Mini-Monitored exchange occurs on a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon for only 2 hours. Away parents can take their child(ren) off site by themselves for 2 hours but must bring their child(ren) back at the end of the 2 hours to Family Connections for the Home parent to pick them up. No overnight visitation is allowed with mini-monitored exchange.

How do I get into the program?
You need to have a Court Order for Family Connections. (Please refer to previous page for copy of order).

How often can we exchange our child(ren)?
The Judge will determine whether exchanges happen every weekend or every other weekend and the day of the exchange, either Friday night or Saturday morning. Mini-Monitored exchange can occur on Saturday morning on Sunday afternoon.

Can I do an exchange during the week?
No, the program only operates on the weekend.

Is the program ever closed?
The program is only closed on the following days: the weekend following the Thanksgiving Holiday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day if they fall on a Saturday or Sunday, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is they fall on a Saturday or Sunday, and Easter Sunday.

Can I get copies of the exchange observation reports?
You may view the observation reports by coming to Family Connections main office, Room 5.2200 if you are a party to the case (a person listed on the court order) Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm. It is suggested that you call first to alert staff you are coming. If you would like copies of the observation reports, they may be obtained through subpoena and/or order of the Court. The first 15 pages of notes are free and after that each additional page is $0.25 each. Case file information is not released except as provided by law, court order, or consent of the parents.

Will there always be a monitor present?
Yes, all exchanges are monitored by staff.

Can we leave the building if we are in Monitored Exchange or Mini-Monitored Exchange?
Yes, families in monitored exchange and mini-monitored exchange only have the exchange of children supervised. All the time sharing occurs off site without supervision from Family Connections.

Can I keep my child overnight?
Only if you are in monitored exchange. If you are ordered to mini-monitored exchange you are only allowed a 2 hour off site unsupervised visit. You must bring your child back to Family Connections after the two hours so the Home parent can pick up the child(ren).

How long do we exchange this way?
Court orders for visitation expire in 6 months. You may have a status hearing one month prior to the court order’s expiration date for the Court to review your case.

What do I do if I am sick, out of town, or on vacation?
You must notify Family Connections by 1:00pm the Thursday prior to your exchange or sooner if possible. Family Connections will note the reason you are canceling. Our policy allows 3 total missed Time Sharing appointments in a 6 month period. If your family missed more than 3 exchanges, your exchanges may be suspended pending further order of the Court.

What if I want to exchange my child(ren) at our local police station?
Family Connections only supervises exchanges that happen at the courthouse during our program hours. Exchanges that take place at any other place or time are not supervised by our program and we do not have any control over them.

If I have more questions?
Call Family Connections at 561-355-3200

If I am disabled or need assistance?
Contact the ADA Coordinator within 2 working days at 561-355-4380 or for hearing & voice impaired persons at 1-800-955-8777.