Supervised-visits site opens doors to public

NASHUA – The Greater Nashua Supervised Visitation Center tries to provide a safe haven for families in difficult situations.

The center, which has been open for less than a year, is holding an open house today from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

The center provides a safe environment for non-custodial parents to visit with their children and help them form healthy relationships, according to Colleen Hood, coordinator of the center. The center offers fully supervised visits, partially supervised visits, monitored exchanges and consultations.

In 1999, the center began as a project of the Nashua Domestic Violence Coordinating Council. The center formally opened in January with funding from private and federal grants.

“This is a much needed service in the Nashua area,” Hood said. “The center offers an alternative to unsupervised visits and exchanges and links families with appropriate resources.”

The center is currently accepting referrals for families. Most referrals come from the courts, attorneys, the state Division of Children, Youth and Families, and guardians ad litem.

Local attorneys, judges, law enforcement officials, mental health workers and child protection workers are encouraged to attend the open house to obtain information on the center.

The open house will offer opportunities to meet the staff, learn about the program and tour the center.

The center is at the Community Council of Nashua, at 15 Prospect St.

For more information, call 889-6147, Ext. 3497.