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A: Family Connection is a private non-profit organization that provides supervised visitation or exchanges between parents and their children in a safe, neutral, and supportive environment.
Q: Why would I use Family Connection to see my children?
A: Most people who use Family Connection are either court ordered to do so, or their children have been placed in Foster care. Family Connection can also be used if there are other issues like child abuse, drugs/alcohol, mental health problems, abduction or other concerns.
Q: I received papers stating I have to see my kids at Family Connections, what do I do now?
A: You must contact Family Connection so we can send you an intake packet which contains information that needs to be filled out and returned to us.
Q: How do I contact Family Connection?
A: We can be reached at 701-483-7233, if no one is there, leave your name, address, and phone number. Our Fax is 701-483-7232. You can also email us at famconn@ndsupernet.com,
Q: What is an intake and what do I need to bring?
A: An intake is when the you meet with Family Connection staff and go over the paperwork included in your intake packet. We also go over any other relevant material, forms, and give you a tour of the facility. You should bring the paperwork from your intake packet, any relevant court orders, and photo ID.
Q: Does the other party need to contact Family Connection for an intake packet?
A: Yes. All involved must contact us before visitation or exchanges can be scheduled. It is the responsibility of each party to contact us.
Q: My children are in foster care, do I still need to contact you for an intake packet?
A: Yes. It is your responsibility to contact us for a intake packet and to set up an initial intake. Family Connection will take direction regarding frequency, duration, and level of supervision from Social Services
Q: What happens if I do my intake and the other party never does, can I still see my children?
A: Family Connection requires all parties involved to complete their intakes before visits or exchanges can be scheduled. Clients are responsible for their actions, and we urge all clients to comply with court or referring agency’s direction.
Q: I’Ave received my intake packet and filled it out, now can I see my children?
A: No. After you have filled out the intake packet, you must contact us to set up an intake at our office.
Q: I need to do my intake, where is Family Connection located?
A: We are located at 10 2nd Street West, in Dickinson.
Q: Can I just stop by?
A: No. Family Connection staff are not always there during the day. You should always call first to make sure a staff person is available.
Q: When are you open for visits or exchanges?
A: Family Connection can accommodate visits or exchanges Monday-Friday from 9:00AM – 6:00PM and on Sunday from 1:00PM- 6:00PM during Summer. In Winter the hours are Monday-Friday from 11:00AM – 6:00PM and Sunday from 1:00PM – 6:00PM.
Q: Can I have a visit on Saturday?
A: NO. Family Connection is not open on Saturday or on some Holidays.
Q: Who is responsible for paying?
A: The courts should specify in the court order how the cost is to be split between the parties. If it is not specified in the court order the cost will be split 50/50 between both parties
Q: You mean that I have to pay to see my own Children?
A: Yes. The court in their responsibility to protect the welfare of a minor child can order the non-custodial parent to use Family Connection.
Q: What if I can't afford to pay for a visitation or exchanges?
A: If you can't afford to pay, you may be limited in your visits.
Q: “Limited in my visits” sounds like another way of saying that I can't see my kids unless I pay.
A: In effect, that may be the case.
Q: What if I pay my part of the fees but the other party does not, can I still have visits?
A: Both parties must pay before Family Connection can schedule any more visits or exchanges.
Q: My children are in foster care, do I have to pay?
A: No, you do not have to pay for visits or exchanges, however, you will be responsible for any other fees incurred such as late cancellation fees.
Q: Will I ever see the other party while at Family Connection?
A: No. Family Connection has guidelines in place so that both parties never come in contact or see each other while at Family Connection premises
Q: Will Family Connection take sides?
A: No. CHILDREN’S WEL-BEING AND EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL SAFETY REMAIN OUR PRIMARY CONCERN. We maintain a stance of neutrality between custodial and non-custodial adults. However, we do not accept or condone previous or current behavior of any family member which has been abusive and/or harmful. Neutrality is maintained in order to provide an environment in which the children can maintain and develop relationships with significant individuals with as little conflict of loyalty between parties as possible.
Q: Do I have to come to Dickinson for visits?
A: Family Connection has offsite visitation centers in these towns: Beach, Bowman, Hettinger, Killdeer, and Mott. However visitation at these sites have to work for all parties involved.
If you have anymore questions, or would like more information please contact
Family Connection
701-483-7233 or fax 701-483-7232
