Missoula Planet Kids program faces funding uncertainty

Missoula, Montana — A free service that helps parents handle custody exchanges and visits in a supervised setting is facing questions about its future.

Planet Kids is run by YWCA Missoula and gives families a safe place to visit or exchange children during custody agreements. The program is free for families who use it.

Jodee Newton, a Planet Kids client, said she had used the service for more than two years during a custody battle involving her child. She said the program made a major difference for her family.

“I didn't have to worry about any anger or screaming or anything that could go wrong. I think that’s the blessing of Planet Kids,” said Newton.

Jen Euell, executive director of YWCA Missoula, explained that possible gaps in federal support had put the program in an uncertain position. She said the organization had faced a similar problem before.

“There was one other point in which federal funding was cut, and we had to try and pull it together from local sources and we were able to keep it going at a reduced rate at that time. And that's kind of what we're facing again right now,” said Euell.

Newton said having facilitated visits nearby had helped her and her child. She said the setup reduced stress during interactions tied to the custody situation.

“Seeing the other party was really stressful. There wasn't much communication,” said Newton, “Your children are watching you. They're watching the whole situation. And that can ultimately make a child feel a certain way about the other party. And that shouldn't be put on them.”

Euell said YWCA Missoula was working on ways to raise money to keep Planet Kids going. People interested in the program could find applications on the YWCA Missoula website.