YWCA Missoula will temporarily suspend Planet Kids services beginning November 7, 2026, due to uncertainty surrounding the federal funding necessary to sustain the program.
For 22 years, Planet Kids has provided supervised visitation and safe custody exchange services for children and families, including families affected by domestic violence. The program helps children maintain important family connections while providing a structured and secure setting for visits and exchanges.
YWCA Missoula has applied for continued funding through the Office on Violence Against Women Justice for Families (OVW JFF) grant program. Funding notification was originally expected by September 29, but no decision has been received, and there is currently no known timeline for notification.
Because Planet Kids has historically relied on federal funding to support staffing and operations, YWCA Missoula cannot responsibly continue providing services without confirmation that funding will be available.
We recognize the impact this suspension will have on children, families, attorneys, judges, social service providers, and community partners who rely on this service. We also understand the importance of maintaining safe and reliable options for court-ordered visitation and exchanges, particularly for survivors of domestic violence and their children.
This suspension is due to financial necessity and should not be interpreted as a permanent closure of the program. If YWCA Missoula receives funding through the OVW Justice for Families grant, we will work as quickly as possible to hire necessary staff and resume services.
We are grateful to the families, community partners, advocates, donors, and supporters who have helped sustain Planet Kids over the past two decades. We will share updates as soon as additional information becomes available.
Our commitment to supporting survivors, children, and families remains strong.
Alternative Resources:
- Parents Path LLC (Missoula County) – provides supervised visitation, exchange support, visit coaching, parent aide services, nurturing parenting services.
- Contact: GGallardo.ParentsPath@gmail.com, (406) 590-1344
- Navigation Services – supervised visitation, can travel to Missoula
- Contact: navigationsvcs.com, Kimber (406) 212-4921 or Dillon (406) 212-2453
- Some therapists may be able to provide supervised visitation services.
- Missoula Police Department or Missoula County courthouse can be safe-exchange locations
For questions about Planet Kids services, please contact Patty Murphy at pmurphy@ywcaofmissoula.org.