How quickly can an SVO case be activated after a referral?

Most cases are activated within 48–72 hours of completing the intake process. We contact the caseworker and arranging parent within 24 hours of receiving the referral to begin scheduling.

Are observation reports delivered directly to the DCS caseworker?

Yes. After every session, the observation report is delivered by email directly to the assigned DCS caseworker. Reports can also be provided to the child's attorney, CASA volunteer, or other authorized parties upon written request.

Who is responsible for the intake fee and session fees?

Payment responsibility varies depending on the referral source, court order, DCS involvement, and any applicable funding arrangements. For private-pay cases, fees are generally paid by the referring or arranging party unless otherwise ordered by the Court. For DCS-related referrals, payment responsibility should be confirmed with the assigned DCS Specialist, Safety Plan, referral documentation, or other authorized funding source before services begin. Neutral Ground will review and clarify all payment arrangements during the intake process whenever possible.

What happens if a parent fails to appear for a scheduled session?

No-shows are fully documented in the session report. The attending parent and child's presence, the absent parent's non-arrival, and the time are all recorded objectively and reported to the DCS caseworker — providing a complete evidentiary record of the non-appearance.

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Neutral Ground

480.788.1418

AZ DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY·dcs.az.gov

DCS Supervised Visitation Only (SVO) Referrals

Neutral Ground accepts Supervised Visitation Only (SVO) referrals from AZ Department of Child Safety caseworkers throughout Maricopa County — with rapid case activation and observation reports formatted for DCS case file submission.

Submit a DCS Referral 480.788.1418

Accepts AZ DCS SVO referrals

DCS-compatible observation reports

48–72 hr case activation from intake

Available 7 days a week, evenings included

Service Rate

$85/hour

2-hr minimum · $75 intake fee*

WHAT IS AN SVO REFERRAL

Supervised Visitation Only (SVO) — What It Means

A Supervised Visitation Only (SVO) referral is issued by an Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) caseworker when a child safety plan requires that parenting time between a child and a parent or caregiver occur under the direct supervision of a trained, neutral third party. SVO referrals are documented in the case file and typically require the supervising provider to submit detailed, objective observation reports back to the assigned DCS caseworker following each session.

Neutral Ground Visitation & Exchange Services is a professional supervised visitation provider operating throughout Maricopa County. We accept DCS SVO referrals and deliver the structured supervision, documentation, and communication that DCS caseworkers and case plans require.

$85/hr

Supervised Visit Rate

2-hr minimum

$75

One-Time Intake Fee

Payment arrangements confirmed at intake

48–72 hrs

Case Activation

From completed intake

7 days

Weekly Availability

Including evenings

HOW WE WORK WITH DCS

What DCS Caseworkers Can Expect

Direct Caseworker Communication

We work directly with the assigned DCS caseworker from intake through every session. Reports are delivered to the caseworker's email after each visit, and we respond to case-related inquiries within one business day.

DCS-Compatible Documentation

Every session produces a detailed, objective observation report covering child behavior, parent conduct, interaction quality, and any incidents or concerns. Reports are formatted for direct inclusion in the DCS case file and are also available to attorneys and court-appointed advocates.

Rapid Case Activation

Most SVO cases are activated within 48–72 hours of completed intake. We contact both the caseworker and the arranging parent within 24 hours of receiving the referral to begin scheduling.

Strict Neutrality

Our supervisors do not advocate for any party. All observations are recorded objectively. We do not provide opinions on case outcomes — only factual, structured documentation of what occurs during each session.

REFERRAL PROCESS

How to Submit a DCS SVO Referral

1Submit the referral form below or call us directly at 480.788.1418. Include the case reference number, child's first name and age, and any scheduling constraints from the safety plan.
2We will contact the caseworker and the responsible party within 24 hours to confirm intake details. Payment arrangements, including the one-time $75 intake fee, will be reviewed and confirmed with the appropriate party during the intake process.
3The supervisor meets with each party separately for a brief orientation covering session rules, reporting procedures, and safety protocols before the first visit.
4Supervised visits are conducted at a neutral location agreed upon at intake. The supervisor is present for the full duration of every session — no exceptions.
5A detailed observation report is prepared and delivered to the caseworker and arranging attorney (if applicable) within 24–48 hours of each session.

DOCUMENTATION STANDARDS

What Our Reports Include

Date, time, duration, and location of the session

Names of all parties present

Child's observed behavior, emotional state, and demeanor

Parent or caregiver conduct and quality of interaction with the child

Any notable incidents, safety concerns, or rule violations

Objective supervisor narrative throughout the session

Supervisor name, credentials, and signature

Reports are delivered within 24–48 hours of each session and are prepared in a consistent, professionally formatted document signed by the supervising professional.

Common Questions from DCS Caseworkers

SUBMIT A DCS SVO REFERRAL

DCS Caseworker Referral Form

Complete the form below to refer a DCS SVO case to Neutral Ground. We will respond within 24 hours to confirm intake and begin scheduling. For urgent cases, call or text 480.788.1418 directly.

Caseworker Name *

DCS Office / Region

Caseworker Email *

Caseworker Phone

Case Reference / DCS Case Number *

Child First Name & Age

Activation Timeline

Safety Plan Notes / Scheduling Constraints

For urgent or same-day referrals, call or text 480.788.1418 directly in addition to submitting this form.

Questions Before Submitting a Referral?

Call or text our intake line directly. We respond within 24 hours and activate most DCS SVO cases within 48–72 hours of completed intake.

480.788.1418 info@neutralgroundaz.com