Purpose

The Access and Visitation (AV) program provides grants to states to establish and administer programs to support and facilitate noncustodial parents' access to and visitation of their children.

Legislation and Regulations

• Program Legislation
• Program Regulations

Allowable Services

States are permitted to use grant funds to develop programs and provide services such as:

• Mediation
• Development of parenting plans
• Education
• Counseling
• Visitation enforcement (including monitored and supervised visitation, and neutral drop-off and pick-up)
• Development of guidelines for visitation and alternative custody arrangements.

Annual Funding

• $10 million in federal funds is divided among the states annually based on a funding formula contained in the statute. States are required to provide a share. Each annual report includes a table which shows the federal grant amount and state share.
• States make decisions on which services to provide, and which agencies and organizations provide the services. Review the most recent annual report to find out the services recently available in your state.
• Contact the state AV Program Coordinator in your state if you are interested in becoming a service provider or if you are seeking services. Here is the most recent state contact information.

Federal Administration

The Office of Child Support Enforcement -- part of the Administration for Children and Families at the Department of Health and Human Services -- has responsibility for administering the Access and Visitation Grant Program. For further information, contact:

Debra Pontisso, Program Manager
Program Development Branch
Office of Child Support Enforcement
Administration for Children and Families
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
4th Floor West
Washington, DC 20447
Phone: (202) 401-4548
E-Mail: debra.pontisso@acf.hhs.gov