PlanetSafe, a program that allows parents from abusive situations and their children to have extra security when they participate in visitation and child exchanges, opened its doors in May.

"We know that after people separate or separate from a violent relationship, we know that violence doesn't stop, it continues, so when they're trying to meet their kids the kids become a tool for manipulation and/or they meet somewhere where parents get in more fights," PlanetSafe manager Zandra Hinojosa said. "Our program is designed to keep survivors safe but allow a space for the noncustodial parent or the abuser to see their children."

PlanetSafe is a collaborative project between Travis County and SafePlace, an organization aiming to end domestic and sexual violence, that has been in the works for more than four years. The program is funded through a Safe Havens grant from the Office on Violence Against Women, an agency of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Hinojosa said without a service like PlanetSafe, parents who have been abused have a difficult time balancing their own safety while still complying with visitation and exchange orders.

A visit or exchange is planned by PlanetSafe staff, and arrival and departure times are staggered. Parents use separate entrances and waiting rooms before the visit or exchange.

"This is so the parent has the opportunity to get in their vehicle or anywhere they need to be without being followed or harassed by the other parent," Hinojosa said

PlanetSafe services are offered on a sliding-scale model based on the customer's income. Prices for a supervised visitation range from $10 to $45. Exchanges range from $5 to $50.

Hinojosa said the affordability of PlanetSafe services is an important factor for the program.

"Right now, there is a network of providers that offer this service, but they run $65 an hour to $120 an hour," Hinojosa said. "So a lot of the people that are in these situations can't really afford that kind of fee."

PlanetSafe is currently a pilot program and is only accepting referrals from SafePlace, protective order courts and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. Officials plan to expand the service after the six-month pilot program ends.

PlanetSafe is located at 1101 Nueces St., across from the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center. For more information, visit www.safeplace.org.