In 1997, the 7th Judicial Circuit Judges, directly faced with this service need, asked the JSL to establish a visitation center in St. Johns County. Forced with having to order individuals to services in Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, or other locations, the Judges recognized that St. Johns County had a pressing need for a supervised visitation center to which they could refer families involved in cases such as divorce, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and problems with substance abuse or mental health difficulties. The Junior Service League of St. Augustine answered the call and raised the much needed funds. Kids Bridge, Inc. opened its doors and became operational in March 2002.

Kids Bridge is a supervised visitation center offering on site visitation visits and parent exchange services. The atmosphere provides safety, stability, and permanency for at-risk children. In this supportive setting, children in crisis can renew and strengthen bonds in their family which maintain the critical parent-child bond that is so important for youth to reach their full potential as healthy members of our community. Classes and courses offered are: 1) Parents’ and Children’s Divorce Course, a two-part series: A) Helping Kids Bridge Divorce. This is a parent education and family stabilization course that assists parents in helping their children cope with the divorce process. B) Children of Divorce Intervention Course. This course assists children to understand and accept their feelings and perceptions regarding their parents’ divorce/separation. Also offered is Parents Helping Kids Bridge into Life. It assists parents in providing strategies to develop emotionally healthy children. To complete the services at this time is an anger management class, Bridging Anger. The instruction assists adults and children in learning skills, strategies and techniques to deal with anger and gain control over their life.

The courses meet requirements mandated by the court. “Kids Bridge is a great resource in this troubled time for families and kids in need.” expressed Kathy Fleming, Executive Director of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum, Inc.