Kids First is a supervised visitation program that provides a safe, conflict-free, low-stress space for kids to build and maintain a bond with and attachment to their noncustodial parents. That’s a boring synopsis, but Kids First @ Centers is an amazing little program that is very hard to describe.
Custodial parents are mothers, fathers, grandparents, foster parents, or other relatives who are trying their best in an odd situation. Noncustodial parents are moms and dads for whom life has taken an unexpected turn.
In amongst all of this turmoil and confusion are the kids. We tell parents that we take the name “Kids First” very seriously. The children who come into this program are our priority. Their emotional and physical safety is of utmost importance. Even through all of this struggle, anger, and fear, we see kids who run into the arms of their visiting parent, who spend four hours a month laughing, playing, talking, and eating with a parent who they love and miss.
THIS is where YOU come in! As a Kids First volunteer, you will monitor visits between the children and their noncustodial parent(s). You will get to see them build their bond. You will get to help the kids feel safe and secure. You will be part of the amazing service we offer.
In Midland, we offer visits on the first through fourth Thursday evenings each month and on the first and third Saturday mornings each month. On Thursdays, our monitors arrive by 5:50pm. The visits are 6-8pm. Generally, all the kids have been picked up by 8:15pm. On Saturdays, our monitors arrive by 10:20am. The visits are 10:30am-12:30pm. Generally, all the kids have been picked up by 12:45pm.
The minimum age for a volunteer is 18 years old. A background check will be run through the Texas Department of Family Protective Services for each person; this can take about a week. We will conduct a training class that includes a tour of the building, an explanation of duties, and coverage of the rules the participants must follow.
At the end of every month, we send out a schedule for the following month to volunteers. Then, you sign up for the days you are able and willing to volunteer!
