Welcome to the Merrimack County Visitation Center
249 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 223-9907
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MCVC?
The Merrimack County Visitation Center (MCVC) provides a safe, secure, and structured setting for
non-custodial parents to visit their children, or to pick them up for home visits, and drop them off.
Our goal is to create a neutral environment that promotes healthy interaction between family members
and prevents victimization, and that means we practice a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of violence.
Where Can I Find MCVC?
MCVC has four satellite sites within Merrimack County, which are located in Concord, Franklin, Pittsfield, and Henniker.
The MCVC also has a handicap accessible location for visitation services, please inquire.
Note: prior to using MCVC’s services at any location, parties must complete separate intakes in Concord. All services must
be scheduled in advance with the Concord office of the MCVC.
MCVC is a member of the Supervised Visitation Network, the national organization for Visitation and Access Service Centers
and providers. MCVC was a founding member of the New Hampshire Family Visitation and Access Cooperative, which is a group
of Visitation Centers providing services throughout New Hampshire. Currently, there are seven Visitation Centers throughout
the State, including one Center in Vermont, serving New Hampshire residents.
For more information on the New Hampshire Family Visitation and Access Cooperative go to: www.visitationcoop.org
How Does Visitation Work?
MCVC provides three separate and distinct visitation services.
First, Fully-supervised Visits are usually court-ordered, because they carry the possibility of abduction, abuse (physical or
verbal), neglect, harassment, coercion, or a history of mental health problems. In these visits, an MCVC staff member will
sit in to ensure the safety of the children, and the appropriateness of the parent’s behavior.
The second tier of visitation is the Semi-supervised Visit, which has a lower threat level, and includes potential problems
such as bad parenting, substance or alcohol abuse, or simply the child’s unfamiliarity with the visiting parent. An MCVC
staff person will have minimal involvement in these cases; their primary role is to occasionally monitor the interactions
between the parent and the children, ensuring the safety of the children.
The third type of visitation is the Exchange. These occur when a non-custodial parent is taking the child for a
specified period, or dropping them off after a visit. In these cases, there is a current or prior incident(s) involving
the harassment of one parent by the the other, or a mutual animosity. These cases typically include a history of
restraining orders.
While families participate in any of the above services, the parties have no contact with each other. The MCVC uses
separate entrances, waiting rooms, arrival, and departure times to ensure there is no interaction between parents.
Is There Adequate Security?
The Merrimack County Sheriff’s Department provides on-site security during all hours the MCVC is open for services,
at all sites.
Where are the MCVC Facilities Located?
·The Concord is our main location, and includes our administrative offices. The Pittsfield Center is at the Pittsfield Police
Station; the Franklin Center is at the Franklin Regional Hospital, and; the Henniker Center is located on the New England
College campus.
What are the Hours of Service?
Concord:
Wednesday3:00 - 7:00 P.M.(Exchange times 3:00, 5:00, & 7:00 P.M.)
Friday 4:00 - 8:00 P.M.(Exchange times 4:00, 6:00, & 8:00 P.M.)
Saturday 9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.(Exchange times 9:00, 11:00 A.M., & 1:00 P.M.)
Sunday 3:00 - 7:00 P.M.(Exchange times 3:00, 5:00, & 7:00 P.M.)
Franklin:
Friday 4:00 - 8:00 P.M.(Exchange times 4:00, 6:00, & 8:00 P.M.)
Sunday 2:30 - 6:30 P.M.(Exchange times 2:30, 4:30, & 6:30 P.M.)
Henniker:
Friday 3:00 - 7:00 P.M.(Exchange times 3:00, 5:00, & 7:00 P.M.)
Sunday 3:00 - 7:00 P.M.(Exchange times 3:00, 5:00, & 7:00 P.M.)
Pittsfield:
Friday 4:00 - 8:00 P.M.(Exchange times 4:00, 6:00, & 8:00 P.M.)
Days and times of all locations are based on the availability. First come, first served.
Please note that Exchanges are provided only at certain times. MCVC is closed on major holidays.
Are there Fees for Service?
Yes.
Fully supervised visit: $20.00 per hour
Semi-supervised visit: $10.00 per hour
Exchange:$ 5.00 per exchange
MCVC does not determine who shall be responsible for payment. That’s either up to the referral agent, (such as the court)
or agreed upon by both parties. A payment plan must be resolved prior to the initiation of any services being provided.
MCVC requires both parties, regardless of who is financially responsible for the regular visit fees, to make a deposit.
Deposit amounts are based on who the primary payer is for services and the type of service.
All fees are to be paid by in-state check or money order. NO CASH.
All fees are subject to change with prior notice.
The Living Room at the Concord Visitation Center, designed to be homey and child-friendly.
Training and Standards
The Merrimack County Visitation Center adheres to statewide standards with regard to best practice for Supervised
Visitation Centers. All MCVC staff attend monthly training on a variety of topics including, but not limited to, child
development, child abuse indicators, mental health, sexual abuse, substance abuse, parental alienation, domestic violence,
cultural diversity, confidentiality, crisis intervention, HIV and communicable disease awareness, batterer’s intervention,
the overlap between domestic violence and child abuse, and child abuse and neglect. All part-time Visitation Supervisors are
required to complete a minimum of twenty hours of job shadowing with trained personnel prior to providing services.
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