Visitation Guidelines

1. Compliance Rules:

a. Supervision Requirement: The visitation monitor will be present at all times during the visit. Do not challenge or disrespect the monitor in front of your child(ren). Give your child(ren) 100% of your attention.

b. Timely Exchange: The custodial parent is expected to arrive fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of the scheduled exchange and return at the exact end of the scheduled exchange. Upon signing in/dropping off and picking up the child(ren), the custodial parent and/or designees must promptly exit the area.

c. Timely Arrival of Non-Custodial Parent: The non-custodial parent should arrive at the exact hour of the scheduled exchange and return fifteen (15) minutes before the exchange concludes.

d. Fee Payment: Services fees must be paid in full at least 48 hours prior to each visit, with no refunds. Please note that the court order specifies both the obligated party and the exact percentage of the payment they are required to fulfill.

e. Punctuality: All parents must arrive at their scheduled times on time.

f. Late Arrival: If a parent or designee is more than 5 minutes early or late, a $2.00 fee will be assessed for each additional minute.

g. Prohibited Substances: The use of alcohol, marijuana, or non-prescribed drugs during visitation is strictly prohibited.

2. Behaviors to Avoid:

a. Inappropriate Physical Contact: Inappropriate touching of the child(ren)'s body is prohibited.

b. Demands for Physical Contact: Inappropriate demands for physical contact are prohibited.

c. Inappropriate Language: Use of foul language is not permitted.

d. Yelling: Shouting or yelling at anyone is discouraged.

e. Threats and Violence: Any threats of physical abuse or violence to anyone are strictly forbidden.

f. Separation Attempts: Attempts to move the child(ren) away from the sight and/or hearing range of the monitor are not allowed.

3. Interaction Between Parents:

Parents and/or designees must avoid any interaction with each other.

4. Correspondence and Messages:

There should be no correspondence (e.g., regarding child support) or messages to the other parent through the child(ren), monitor, or any other means. Using the visitation site or its surroundings for the service of court documents is also prohibited.

5. Medical and Care Needs:

Monitors will only discuss information related to the child(ren)'s medical needs (e.g., medications, dietary needs) or visitations. Prescription medications may only be provided in pre-measured doses. Other dietary (food) requests are not monitored or enforced. Custodial and visiting parties are responsible for meeting the child(ren)'s care needs while they are in each individual's care. In SA (Sexual Abuse) cases, diaper changing is exempt.

6. Discussing Court Information:

Parents must refrain from sharing detailed court information or court documents with the child(ren) or making promises to the child(ren) about future living arrangements, time-sharing, or visitation modifications. Conversations and activities should focus on the present to avoid adding pressure and disappointment to the child(ren).

7. No Negative Talk:

Parents are encouraged not to express negative sentiments about the child(ren)'s other parent, their family, or associates in the presence of the child(ren). During visits, it is essential to maintain a positive dialogue regarding oneself and the children. Negativity should be avoided when discussing oneself, the children, or the monitors. Any concerns should be appropriately addressed during office hours.

8. No Interrogation:

Parents should not question the child(ren) about the other parent's whereabouts or activities.

9. Substance Use:

Parents should refrain from using alcohol, marijuana, or non-prescribed drugs 24 hours prior to and during their visit with the child(ren). Visits will be canceled if a parent is suspected of using these substances.

10. Language and Communication:

Parents and children must communicate in English during supervised visits unless a monitor who speaks the family's native language is present. Parents must speak loud enough for the monitor to hear, and whispering is not allowed.

11. Phone Calls and Cellular Use:

Phone calls to other individuals are strictly prohibited at any time during supervised visits. The use of cellular phones is permissible only in cases of emergencies or when employed for engagement activities with the children, where it is deemed appropriate.

12. Weapons and Articles:

Weapons or any articles that could be used as weapons are strictly prohibited during supervised visits.

13. Unauthorized Participants:

Family members and friends authorized by the court to participate in the visitation must comply with the monitor's guidelines and rules; otherwise, the supervised visitation may be canceled.

14. Snacks:

The visiting parent may bring a snack for the child(ren). All snacks must be prepackaged by the manufacturer.

15. Gift Giving:

Gifts for the child(ren) are not allowed, except for the child(ren)'s birthday(s), Christmas, Hanukkah, or other holidays where gifts are traditionally given. These gifts should be unwrapped and unsealed for the monitor's observation.

16. Cancellation Notification:

If you are unable to bring the child(ren) or attend the visit for any reason, it is your responsibility to notify the agency within a reasonable amount of time. Cancellations must be confirmed with both parties and the monitor. Less than 24 hours' notice will result in fees to the monitor.

17. Holiday Cancellations:

For Saturday or Sunday visits, you must call by Friday at 5:00 p.m. to cancel. For holiday visits, cancellations must be made at least one week in advance to avoid late fees.

18. Late Arrival of Visiting Parent:

Failure of the visiting parent to arrive within 15 minutes of the designated time without prior notification will result in cancellation, with the visiting parent responsible for the appropriate fee and the child(ren) returned to the custodial party.

19. Office Hours and Communication:

All calls must be placed during office hours, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (PST). If you must miss a scheduled visit due to an emergency, please leave a voicemail and send a text notifying the provider of the cancellation and situation.

20. Photography and Recording:

Photographs may be taken with prior approval from the provider, the child(ren), and the custodial parent. No audio or visual recording is permitted.

21. Schedule Changes:

No changes in the supervised visitation schedule are allowed unless approved by the court and the monitor. Changes must be requested one week prior to visitation.

22. Alterations to the Child(ren):

Any permanent or semi-permanent alteration of the child(ren) during visitation requires prior approval from the custodial parent directly to the provider.

23. Non-Compliance Consequences:

Non-compliance with any guideline or challenging the supervised monitor may result in termination of services.

Visitation Do's and Don'ts

I will not use drugs or alcohol before visiting with my child(ren).
I understand that my visit may be canceled if there is suspicion that substances have been used.
I will arrive at the site at the specified time of arrival at the designated arrival/departure times.
I will ask for prior approval from the Monitor and/or an authority before bringing someone else to visit.
I will not bring any weapons or articles that could be used as a weapon to the visit.
I understand that the Monitor has the right to search for weapons and, if necessary, check in on visits.
I will not follow or harass another party before, during, or after a scheduled visit.
I will not speak negatively about the child(ren)’s custodial parent, foster parent, or other family in front of the child(ren).
I will not talk about the adult issues, such as court proceedings, with the child(ren).
I will not make promises to the child(ren) about future living arrangements or unsupervised visits.
I will not question the child(ren) about their custodial parent’s or foster parent’s whereabouts or activities.
I will not send any correspondence (i.e., regarding child support) or messages to the custodial or foster parent by means of the child(ren).
I will not use physical punishment or threaten to use physical punishment with the child(ren) during visits.
If the child(ren) makes any statement or reference to any alleged or confirmed abuse, I will not deny the child(ren)’s statement and will listen to what the child(ren) says.
I will follow the suggestions of the Visitation Monitor and their assistants while visiting the child(ren).
I will notify the Visitation Monitor as soon as possible if I cannot attend a visit.
I understand that breaking this agreement may lead to the termination of visitation services.
I understand that it is the Visitation Monitor's responsibility to report to the DCFS or any representative of the Court any circumstances that relate to my ability to parent my child(ren) in a safe and positive manner.
I understand that written Observation Reports will be provided upon requests of either parent or attorney.