CSFVP: Visiting Parent

This program provides a safe and positive way for children to visit with their parents as their families go through a difficult and transitional time.

The children and visiting parent(s) are given a private, child-friendly room in the center.  The child and parent are monitored by a trained, volunteer supervisor who is neutral to the family situation and will document the interaction and activities of the two hour visit.

Supervised Visitation may be required by the court for many reasons; including problems with divorce, domestic violence, abuse or neglect or simply an unusually period of time in which the child has not seen the parent and needs to become reacquainted.

Both parties are required to complete an intake interview with the Supervised Visitation Staff prior to any visits.  The intake process includes policies and procedures that will ensure a safe visit for the children and parents.   

Visitation Policies and Procedures for Visiting Parents

• Confirm each visit in a timely manner.  Confirmations must be received no less than three days prior to the anticipated visit.  Cancellations left on the confirmation line are not accepted.
• Arrive and depart at scheduled times ~ Arrive 15 minutes before the visit; remain in the building 15 minutes after the end of the visit.
• Be cooperative regarding search, wanding, drug and/or alcohol testing ~ Failure to provide a drug screen is considered a false positive and may result in the visit being cancelled or future visits suspended.
• Once in the building, you may not leave until excused by staff.  Vehicle keys are to be given to SVP staff.
• If asked to leave the premises by staff, on site officer or supervisor, do so without question.
• Avoid the use of alcohol, drugs before or during a visit.
• Keep guns, knives or other weapons away from the visitation site.
• No electronic devices, videos, cell phones/pagers allowed in the visit.  No cameras are ever permitted. 
• Refrain from smoking, swearing or using corporal punishment
• Respect and acknowledge the time-out signal without question.
• Bring projects, toys, books or other appropriate item that the child may enjoy.  Photos and photo albums need to be approved by the custodial parent prior to the child viewing them.
• Bring an appropriate snack, meal and/or drink (including paper products and/or utensils).
• Prearrange with CFSVP staff if you want permission to bring gifts on days other than holidays, birthdays or other special occasions.  Special occasion gifts are always encouraged!  Gifts need to be in a gift bag so we can preview the item.
• Do not bring an unauthorized guest with you to the visit.  Prearrange with staff at least one week in advance if you want permission to bring a guest. In general, only two guests are permitted and may only visit one time per month.
• Keep all family members together during the visit.
• Refrain from using on-site supplies or equipment unless authorized to do so by staff.
• Clean up the visitation room after every visit.  Materials should always be put back where they were found.
• Refrain from discussing your case or visitation concerns with staff or supervisor in the presence of any child.
• Be respectful to CFSVP personnel at all times.

*No person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to unlawful discrimination under any program or activity receiving or benefiting from federal financial assistance and administered by the Department.

If you request any special accommodations or auxiliary aids for programs or services of the Supervised Visitation Program, please contact the Program Director at 941-492-6491.