Family Visitation Centers

A variety of family situations necessitate the use of the visitation centers including intimate partner violence, a history of difficulties surrounding child visitation or exchange, parental substance use or lack of suitable visitation space, among others. Services include on-site multi family group supervised visits, monitored exchange or individually supervised visits. The two centers, in Wilmington and Newark are equipped with trained staff, video cameras, and other safety features. Prior to starting visitation or exchange, each adult party must participate in an individual orientation. Children may take part in child orientations or a series of orientations to help them learn about the center and increase their comfort. The centers make every effort to provide services at a reasonable cost.

CHILD, Inc.:
507 Philadelphia Pike
Wilmington, DE 19809
Phone: 302-757-2248

Hours of Operation:
Sunday Services at the CHILD, Inc. location are on an adhoc basis
determined by FVC Management.

 

Hudson Center:
501 Ogletown Road
Newark, DE  19711
Phone: 302-283-7518
Fax: 302-283-7596

Hours of Operation:
Tuesdays:  4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Wednesdays:  4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Thursdays:  4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fridays: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturdays:  9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

Voicemail messages can be left at all numbers.

The Domestic Violence Treatment Program provides structured counseling interventions for both men and women who have perpetrated acts of intimate partner abuse. The counseling interventions are certified by the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council and adhere to standards established by that organization. The counseling interventions are provided in both English and Spanish. A significant number of the participants have also been victims of abuse and violence within an intimate partner relationship. While participation within the services can be either voluntary or court mandated, the majority of participants have been referred as either criminal offenders or respondents of civil Protection From Abuse (PFA) proceedings.

The interventions help participants develop a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of violence and abuse, accept responsibility for their behavior, commit unconditionally to change abusive behavior and learn how to safely respond to abusive actions of others. The services employ a combination of support, encouragement and respectful confrontation in efforts to facilitate change.

For Orientation dates for Men, call (302) 762-8989.

For Orientation dates for Women, call Ann Altemus at (302) 762-8989.

For victims seeking shelter call the Domestic Violence Hotline at (302) 762-6110.

Martha’s Carriage House & Sarah’s House

Martha’s Carriage House, a 25-bed emergency shelter, which provides a safe refuge for women and their children experiencing domestic violence. Often, the precipitating reason for seeking shelter is the realization that the violence is not just hurting the mother, but that the abuse is having a devastating effect on her children as well.

Counselor/Advocates help every step of the way, often providing assistance with the complexities of the legal system. The goal is to empower the participant so that she survives and heals from the abuse. Counseling for both women and children is essential because it may be the only opportunity for them to gain some understanding about domestic violence, be heard, and to cope with the trauma of the abuse. Trained, degreed staff are on-site 24/7 to counsel women and children. Women are offered support groups, legal and social services advocacy, and are educated on the cycle of domestic violence and basic parenting skills. Children are offered activities, help with adjusting to shelter and assessment by a Licensed Social Worker.

Similar to Martha’s Carriage House, Sarah’s House is an 18-bed emergency shelter for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Sarah’s House serves clients from all over the State. The program’s services are centered around independence, where clients are provided with resources for employment and housing, legal advocacy, safety planning, counseling, and other needs they may have. Counseling is part of the program available to participants residing at Martha’s Carriage House and Sarah’s House.

Seeking Protection From Abuse
CHILD, Inc.’s Domestic Violence Advocacy Program helps to empower victims of intimate partner violence by guiding them through the Family Court system as they seek protection from their abusive partners. Advocacy services are available within Family Court in all three counties.

Trained advocates provide assistance to victims of domestic violence before, during and after the Protection From Abuse process. Although the advocates are not attorneys, they may be able to link victims with free or low cost attorneys. They provide referrals and resources, support during the hearing, crisis counseling and they help victims develop a plan to move forward with their lives. Advocates are available during court hours only.

New Castle County call (302) 255-0420

Kent County call (302) 672-1075

Sussex County call (302) 856-5843

Therapy Services
Northern New Castle County
Ongoing treatment is offered to individuals who are in abusive intimate relationships. Individual therapy is available to both male and female victims. The focus of therapy is to help persons establish safety and stability in their lives as well as the lives of their children. For these services call (302) 762-8989.

Southern & Western New Castle County
In an effort to provide services to the growing needs of an expanding population in the area of Southern & Western New Castle County, CHILD, Inc., established a program offering domestic violence therapy for victims at scattered sites throughout Southern & Western New Castle County. A full time community therapist provides these services. Counseling is also available for children impacted by domestic violence at some of these same sites. For these services call 302-762-8989

Support Group
A safe group for individuals who have experienced (or are experiencing) abuse / violence from an intimate partner relationship. Groups meet on a weekly basis. Childcare is not available at either group.

 

Other Resources

Delaware Victim Services Website

FREE Parenting Classes are offered at convenient locations throughout the state. These interactive classes present information in a comfortable, supportive environment and are designed to make parents/caregivers more successful, effective and confident.

Three curriculums are offered, each focusing on a different state of development.

Birth to Three
(for families with infants and toddlers, birth to 3 years of age)
This class emphasizes the importance of the first three years of life and demonstrates how parents and caregivers can promote healthy development in infants and toddlers. Topics include creating a healthy, stimulating environment, nutrition, developmental milestones, child safety and well-being, the importance of well-baby checkups, choosing quality childcare, developing language and setting age appropriate limits. Class meet once a week for 6 weeks.
Children Come Without Instructions
(for families raising children ages 4 through 12)
The class is designed to increase knowledge of child development, teach effective communication skills and positive strategies for setting limits and guiding behavior. Other topics of discussion include child safety & well-being and managing stress. Instructors also provide information and referrals to a variety of other community support services. Class meets once a week for 6 weeks.
Teens Come Without Instructions
(for families raising adolescents ages 12 and older)
The class provides a supportive environment where parents/caregivers can discuss issues related to adolescent development. Topics addressed include physical/emotional changes, adolescent brain development, effective communication, managing stress and anger, setting limits and conflict management. Class meets once a week for 8 weeks.

The class Certificate of Completion satisfies the parenting class requirement for the following agencies:

Department of Services for Children, Youth and Families Department of Corrections/ Probation & Parole

CHILD, Inc. also provides workshops, trainings and speakers for schools, churches, community centers, and private organizations.
Bi-lingual instructors are available in all 3 counties.
If you would like class schedules or other program material emailed to you, contact lsammons@childinc.com to be added to our listserve.

Children’s First provides counseling services to families involved in divorce, separation, custody and visitation issues.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Michele Ostafy at (302) 762-8989.

Separation/Divorce Seminar

This 6-hour certified separation/divorce seminar entitled “Children Cope with Separation Seminar fulfills the Delaware State Law requiring parenting education for parents/caregivers petitioning Family Court for Separation, Divorce, Custody, and/or Visitation issues. This seminar provides important information for families in transition, focusing on the best interest of the children.

No childcare is provided and no children are permitted at the class.

CHILD, Inc. recognizes domestic violence as a public health issue, with victims of domestic violence experiencing significantly higher utilization and healthcare costs even after the abuse stops.  Victims and survivors have specific and extensive healthcare needs that are not currently being met by the traditional service model.  CHILD, Inc. has partnered with DCADV, Christiana Care, and Westside Family Healthcare to create a new service delivery model that integrates domestic violence services with medical services in order to comprehensively address health disparities and improve patient outcomes.  In collaboration with our project partners and Lt. Governor Hall-Long’s office, DPH, UD’s Partnership for Health Communities, DE Health Mother and Infant Consortium, and OCADSV, this model was implemented in an innovative and sustainable way.  CHILD, Inc. Community Health Advocates work with victims and survivors referred by Westside Family Healthcare, meeting them in safe places within their community to address both their safety and wellness needs.  We believe the partnership between healthcare professionals and domestic violence advocates is crucial to increasing access to services, which will positively affect the care and treatment of chronic medical issues often seen in victims of domestic violence.

Community Health Advocates (CHA) Referral Line:  302-757-2137

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday:  The CHA referral line is unavailable on weekends, but callers can contact our 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 302-762-6110 for assistance.