Visitation

Project First Step (PFS) has been working with Children and Youth Services (CYS) to offer visition services in Venango County since 2007. Our staff members in this service assist county caseworkers in offering visitation to families who are facing custody challenges.  Our staff are responsible for completing all CYS documentation and observe the family's interactions during court-approved visitation sessions. However, our staff go one step above a typical caseworker; we offer one-on-one support to parents by making suggestions that can be implemented during the session or in the next visitation session.  Our goal is to make a difference, and we hope to improve the parenting skills and family relationships. 

Sometimes our staff is called to provide testimony during custody hearings.  We make tough calls and give honest feedback to the courts when they make their decisions.  While most of the time, the family has demonstrated progress and success, our role in this service is to make sure the placement of the children is safe even when that means reunification with their parents is not the best choice for them at that time.  Advocating for their well being is our number one priority when we are called to provide testimony.

Currently, visitation is only offered in Venango County.