HOW VISITATIONS OCCURS: (IF HELD IN A CONTROLLED/SECURE ENVIRONMENT)
- The visiting party will arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled visitation time, pay for the visit, and schedule the following visit. The visiting party will then be taken to a private room to wait until the scheduled visitation time. The custodial party and child will arrive through the main entrance at the designated visitation time and wait in the waiting room. The therapist will go get the visiting party and the child(ren) and take them into the supervised room. Immediately following the visit, the visiting party will exit to the private door, get in the car, and leave the parking lot immediately. The child will have a debriefing with the supervising therapist. (Subject to change on a case-by-case basis.)
- If either party is 15 minutes late, the visitation will be canceled and all parties will be notified of the cancellation.
- All visits are to remain in the room they are assigned during the entire visit unless the visiting party or child needs to use the restroom.
INTERACTION DURING THE EXCHANGES AND VISITATIONS:
- Children should be taken to the restroom prior to the visit. If the child needs to use the restroom or needs a diaper change during the visit, the child will be taken to the custodial party to use the restroom and promptly return to the visitation.
- The visiting person should ask the child permission for any type of physical touch. Example: “can I give you a hug?”
- The visiting person is responsible for setting limits in managing the child’s behavior. Physical discipline of any type is not allowed. Negative comments, talking down to the children, and/or foul language will not be tolerated.
- The visiting person is expected to interact with the children in a positive and developmentally appropriate manner. Any communication or behavior that is emotionally or physically threatening to the child will not be allowed.
- Conversations between the visiting person and the child will focus on the child’s interest in activities. Discussions should focus on the present to avoid pressure and disappointment. The visiting person will not question the child, discuss the other parent/guardian, the allegations of the case, or court hearings. The supervisor will guide the visiting person in providing appropriate answers to the child’s questions, if needed.
- The visiting person will not be allowed to make any type of threat, bright, promises, coercion and manipulation during the visit. This includes statements like “when this is over” and/or “when you live with me.”
- The use of cell phones, communication devices, and cameras are strictly prohibited during visits by the custodial or visiting party.
- The conversations between the child and the visiting person must be in English in the audible by the supervising therapist. If the visitation supervisor cannot speak and understand the language being spoken by the visiting party and the child, a neutral interpreter over the age of 18 must accompany them.
- Gifts and food are prohibited during the visitation. Children are encouraged to bring school report cards, trophies, and pictures of their activities to visitation.
- Arrangements regarding medications or any additional special needs must be made prior to the visitation.
- The visiting person must avoid alcohol and controlled substances for 24 hours before visits with the child(ren). The visit will not take place if you appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Family Visitation & Solutions Has the right to request a drug test at clients expense.
- Weapons are not allowed at visitation.
- Concerns or discussions regarding the case from all parties should be addressed in writing to the visitation supervisor.
- The supervisor has the right to end the session at any time if she/he deems that the child is acutely stressed, at the risk of immense harm either emotionally or physically, or the visiting parent is not following the program rules.
- After refusal of visitation by a minor child, the supervisor will attempt to schedule a meeting with all parties to develop a strategic plan to resume visitations. The strategic plan will be formulated and agreed-upon by all parties.
- Pursuant it to Supervised Visitation Network policies of Family Visitation & Solutions will suspend visitation if criminal charges are filed against either party.
- In cases involving allegations of sex abuse the following guidelines will also be followed. The parent and child will be taught “Please Stop” during the intake process. All parties will respect when the child says “Please Stop” and immediately stop the behavior or conversation that is making the child uncomfortable. The visiting person will not be allowed to tickle, wrestle or forcible touch the child in any way. The visiting person will not have the child on their lap or engage in a frontal hug or kissing. The vision person will not engage any activity or game that requires removing any clothing. The visiting person will not be able to offer the child a side-hug. The child will be given the opportunity to refuse any type of physical touching.
CONFIDENTIALITY:
Family Visitation & Solutions will maintain confidentiality and refuse information without written permissions, except in response to a subpoena request, and reports of suspected child abuse and neglect to the appropriate authority as required by law, and is reporting dangerousness or threats of harm to self or others as required by law.