Dayton Ohio Parenting Time Exchanges Begin This Summer
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: We posted a blog about the great work being done through the Dayton Mediation Center 12 years ago. Click here to read it. They keep expanding their work and the services offered. Now they are rolling out a new program offering to supervise exchanges of kids between parents and caregivers. A great service as these exchanges can often be troublesome!
Dayton Mediation Center Offering Program To Supervise Custody And Parenting Time Exchanges
Parenting time exchanges can be difficult in many cases. I have posted several articles here about the subject because it can be such a problem. Previously on the Ohio Family Law Blog in 2020, I posted one about suggestions for making parenting exchanges go well. Click here to read it. In 2022, I wrote another one about tips for smooth parenting exchanges for divorced parents. The content in them is very worthwhile to read again!
NEW PROGRAM THROUGH THE DAYTON MEDIATION CENTER
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Raven Cruz Loaiza, the unit coordinator for the recently established Mediation Response Unit (MRU) in Dayton Oh. The Mediation Response Unit is a program under the umbrella of the Dayton Mediation Center. The MRU was created as an alternative to handle calls that are low emergent but typically get handled by 911. In 2020 after police reforms talk began in Dayton, city working groups identified recommendations for the city of Dayton. As a result of those talks, the MRU was formed. They are a team of trained responders with a wealth of experience and certification in areas such as crisis response, de-escalation, conflict management and community engagement and relationship building.
Their primary goal is to provide alternatives to police intervention, thus improving relations between police and the community. By reducing the number of low emergent calls going to 911, police will be able to take more time for higher emergent calls. Ms. Loaiza envisions her program as offering a “voice and choice, and a safe space for everyone.”
The type of calls the MRU handles are: noise complaints; barking dogs; loitering/begging; neighbor/roommate disputes; unruly juvenile disturbances; disorderly persons; and requests for a peace officer. In addition, they are working with the Montgomery County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts so that they will also be available to assist with parents who need help when meeting with their Ex to exchange children for visitation. For this service the exchange of parenting time must take place within the city of Dayton city limits.
The MRU Unit Will Respond To The Scene To Assist
If you live in a neighboring city, such as Springfield, Kettering, or Oakwood, as long as you meet at a prearranged spot within the Dayton city limits, the MRU team will be happy to assist. For example, you could meet in a grocery or drugstore parking lot as opposed to meeting at a police station. They can be contacted at 937 333-2333.
Ms. Cruz Loaiza emphasized that “if children are only seeing police when their parents can’t get along it creates a negative connotation of police.” She feels that her team can offer an alternative method of meeting which can be safe and more amicable. Ms. Cruz Loaiza also stressed that there are certainly times when it is appropriate for police to respond to calls. When screening the call, the MRU unit determines if there is history of violence or aggression, or threat to life, and if so, they will advise the caller the call will be handled by police to ensure the safety of all parties.
The MRU unit is designed to assist with low emergent calls. The first step when a call comes in to their hotline is that it is screened for appropriateness. If it is a type of call that is appropriate for MRU, they will determine if an on-scene response is needed. If an on-scene response is needed, two people from the MRU unit will respond to the scene to assist. The MRU will also continue to monitor the case by following up and offering case management services to all involved. If it is not necessary for an on scene response, the caller will be given information and resources to contact and be offered case management services, if desired.
Supervised Parenting Time Exchanges Program By The End Of Summer
At the present time the Unit’s hours are Monday through Friday 11 am to 8 pm. Fridays are a common day for parenting exchanges. They have recently started this service as sort of a “soft opening”, but are hoping to get this supervised parenting time exchange program in full swing by the summer – including hopefully expanding their hours and offering services on Sunday too.
Having handled divorce cases for over 40 years, it is clear that Judges want parenting time exchanges to be safe, smooth and civil. Pick up and drop offs at the other’s home works most of the time, but not in all cases. Doing them inside a police station is far from ideal as it can stigmatize the child to believing that their parent is a “criminal and dangerous”.
Recognizing that concern, in 2022 the Kettering Police Department established a “public exchange zone” in in 2 parking spaces in front of the building. They have cameras and audio recording going on them 24/7. Click here to read about this safe exchange space. Other police departments are following suit.
Many Options Available For Divorced Parents
Since the dynamics of every child exchange between parents and caregivers differs, having as many options available as possible is wonderful. I applaud the Dayton Mediation Center and the MRU for starting this program designed to supervise custody and parenting time exchanges in Dayton,
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At Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues, located in Dayton, Ohio, top-notch family law and divorce representation is provided by our experienced divorce lawyers! To learn more, go to our website at www.hcmmlaw.com. Or, please contact us at (937) 293-2141 to schedule an appointment for an initial consultation which can be conducted either by phone or in person.
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Attorney Robert “Chip” Mues has been focusing his legal practice throughout Southwest Ohio primarily in divorce and family law matters since 1978. Chip is passionate about family law and has proudly published the Ohio Family Law Blog since 2007. In addition, he is the managing partner of Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues. To learn more about him or the law firm, visit the firm’s website at www.hcmmlaw.com. Appointments are available in person, over the phone or by Zoom. Call us at 937 293-2141.
