The Family Visitation Center of Chattanooga was established in response to the abrupt closure of the city's only supervised family visitation center. Local attorneys and judges recognized the urgent need to continue providing a safe space for supervised family visits, leading to the creation of this vital new service, officials said.
C. Wayne Williams, a licensed professional counselor and owner of Care Connect Lead, a leadership development company, has been a key driver in organizing the Family Visitation Center.
His commitment to fostering strong, healthy relationships between children and their families is central to the Center’s mission, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Launched in May 2024, the Family Visitation Center of Chattanooga has already served over 20 families, facilitating more than 200 supervised visitations for families and guardians in the area.
According to Elaine Bradway, interim director of the center, “We are proud to have made such a positive impact in such a short amount of time, and we’re excited to continue expanding our services.”
As a newly established nonprofit, the Center is seeking critical community support and sponsorship to continue its work and broaden its impact. The organization aims to serve families throughout Hamilton County and the surrounding areas, with plans to:
1. Expand offerings, to include parenting training classes and additional family support services.
2. Hire more trained staff to oversee in-person visits and exchanges.
3. Implement an income-sensitive sliding scale for services to ensure accessibility for all families in need.
In addition to these goals, the center is seeking donations to furnish its new location with essential items such as office furniture, toys and other supplies to create a welcoming, comfortable environment for families.0
Mr. Williams emphasized the importance of local support, saying, “While our budget is currently modest, the demand for services far exceeds what we can provide sustainably under the existing budget. Local support will allow us to expand our services, staff, and overall impact for families in our community.”
He also stressed the need for a calm and safe environment during family visits. “It’s critical that adults feel secure and at ease during these appointments so that children can sense this is a safe space where they can reconnect with their loved ones,” he said.
Officials said, "The Family Visitation Center of Chattanooga prides itself on offering a space where children can explore toys and games without the tension of parental conflict."
“We understand that no parent wants to need these services, but we remain committed to providing essential
support that helps stabilize families and provide unbiased documentation to family court,” Mr. Williams said.
"The Center's staff is dedicated to ensuring that every visit is conducted in a secure, supportive environment, strengthening family bonds and promoting positive interactions," officials said. "By offering this safe space for supervised visitation and custodial exchanges, the Family Visitation Center of Chattanooga is helping to foster family healing and resilience, benefiting the well-being of the entire community."
For more information or to make a donation, visit famvisitchatt.com.