Every Child Deserves a Safe Connection

SVN’s inaugural Legislative Day on September 16, 2025, in Washington, D.C. In a time of rapid change and growing need, staying rooted in our mission—and raising our collective voice—has never been more urgent. This special day will bring together SVN members to advocate for policies that protect and support the children and families we serve. Whether you're joining us in person on Capitol Hill or championing change from your own community, we invite you to be part of this milestone event. Let this be the start of a powerful, long-term movement for systemic change—grounded in our shared commitment to safety, equity, and impact. Together, we rise. Get more information HERE

At this Year’s Annual Conference we recognized the winner of the Hedi Levenback SV Provider of the Year Award, The Alex and Brandon Child Safety Center here are the words I shared about their program.... Each year, the Hedi Levenback Provider of the Year Award recognizes a supervised visitation provider who exemplifies excellence, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of families. This award is named in honor of Hedi Levenback, a founding member of SVN whose leadership helped professionalize our field through the development of our standards and guidelines. Today, I have the privilege of introducing this year’s award recipient—a provider whose story is both deeply moving and profoundly inspiring. In 1996, a community was devastated by the tragic deaths of two young boys, Alex and Brandon, at the hands of their father. In the wake of this loss, two brave women—Louise Seliski and Angie Planenburg, the boys’ mother—channeled their grief into action. Their determination led to the creation of a center designed to ensure that no child would ever again face such danger. In October 2000, that vision became a reality with the opening of a safe, supportive haven for families navigating some of the hardest moments of their lives. For over two decades, this center has provided a warm, non-institutional setting for supervised visitation and safe exchanges. Designed with intention and care, the facility includes inviting visitation rooms equipped with games, crafts, movies, and quiet spaces—every element chosen to promote connection, safety, and emotional security. The center’s trauma-informed, child-centered approach ensures that every child’s experience is one of dignity, support, and stability. Their impact goes far beyond their local region. Though one of only three visitation centers in a five-county area, they’ve welcomed families from across the state and even from out of state—never turning anyone away based on geography or financial need. In partnership with local agencies, they’ve secured funding to offer financial assistance to families, ensuring that safety is never a privilege, but a right. This provider has also demonstrated a commitment to growth and innovation. They’ve expanded their programming to include evidence-based parenting education, such as the Nurturing Parenting Curriculum and Love and Logic groups. Their annual Family Fun Day brings the community together, removing barriers to positive parent-child interaction in a fun, engaging environment. Their legacy is rooted in heartbreak, but their journey is one of healing, hope, and resilience. They honor Alex and Brandon every day by creating a space where children are protected, parents are supported, and families have the opportunity to reconnect and grow. It is with great pride and deep respect that we recognize the 2025 Hedi Levenback Provider of the Year: The Alex and Brandon Child Safety Center. Here to accept is Stephanie Charles Please join me in congratulating them on this well-deserved honor.”

Save the Dates! The 2026 Annual Conference will be held in New Orleans May 20-22, 2026