FAQs

I would like supervised access for my children. How do I get started with SAPL?

You must be referred to the program. Referrals can come from legal counsel, legal mediation, court orders, the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, or other social service providers or agencies.

How do I get a referral?

You can contact the Program Coordinator at the Family Counselling Centre to request an intake package.

You will need to answer a short questionnaire over the phone. You will then be mailed an Intake Package to complete and return to the Program Coordinator at the Family Counselling Centre location.

Where do I go for the Service Agreement Appointment and what should I expect?

The Service Agreement Appointment is at the Supervised Access Centre at #9-110 East Street South in Sarnia. The Supervised Access Centre is located East of Selena’s Café and the unit faces Kathleen Avenue. Look for the large SAPL letters in the front window. During the appointment, the Program Coordinator will give you a tour of the Access Centre, review your intake, and complete the service agreement with you.

Is there a fee to use the SAPL?

There is a fee for each visit/exchange. Fees are based on a sliding scale and are adjusted based on income.

What happens if there is a no-contact order or a peace bond?

Staggered arrival and departure times are implemented to ensure the parties have no contact with one another. There are also separate parking and entrance doors for each party.

What if a party has criminal charges?

The Program Coordinator will review the charges with the party. If they do not pertain to the referral for access, they may not have any bearing on the party’s use of the program. SAPL reserves the right to refuse access to charged or convicted sexual or child offenders.

How long can I use the SAPL for?

There is no set timeframe. Clients may use the services on a short-term basis or until the child turns eighteen (18), until there is a new court order that stipulates new access arrangements, or until a party withdraws from the program. If a family member does not follow the guidelines set out in the service agreement, SAPL reserves the right to suspend or terminate service.

My children are very nervous about attending SAPL. What do you do to help alleviate children’s fears or concerns?

Children are introduced to the Access Centre during a Child Orientation. Staff members meet with the child(ren) before the first scheduled access visit and provide the following:

• a tour of the visit site.

• a booklet explaining the services (for younger children)

• a copy of the Children’s Bill of Rights (for older children experiencing family separation and divorce)

What is there for my child to do at the Access Centre?

There is a wide variety of toys, games, crafts, movies, and play areas for children and the visiting party. Older children can bring their homework, and if your child has a special comfort item, like a snuggly toy, or a “security” blanket, they can bring it to the Access Centre.

Who is at the Access Centre when my children arrive?

There are always two staff members present on site. There may also be other children who have access visits or exchanges with their parents as we are not a one-to-one service.