The Visit
1. Parents agree to arrive alcohol, tobacco, and drug free. Visit will be cancelled if substance abuse is suspected and a negative screen will be required prior to the next visit.
2. The visit should focus on the present so that the child experiences a calm and pleasurable visit. References to the past events which may have caused stress/trauma to the child should be avoided in discussions with the child. Discussion of future plans should also be avoided.
3. Visiting parents can invite, but not demand or coerce, physical contract with the child.
4. Use appropriate language.
5. Visiting parents must remain in the visit room and speak in conversational tones, whispering and passing notes are not permitted.
6. Parents will speak respectfully of the other parent, family members, or professionals involved in the family's case. Parents will not use their child or the program staff to pass documents or personal possessions between the parties.
7. If there is an issue to discuss with staff, parent will fo so outside of the visitation time while children are not present. If there is an issue with the monitor, parents are to contact the program director to review the situation. If there is no resolution then questions and concerns are to be directed to the executive director 256.551.1610.
8. If your child asks about the terms of visitation/custody/court orders or about future outcomes, state that the visits will be at FSC and we will let them know when that changes. Parents will not initiate discussion about the Court or other parent.
9. The visiting parent will use positive methods of discipline, i/e speak to child, redirect the behavior, address behavior by removing toy or item, or use a short time out in the room.
10. Parents are encouraged to play with child and have fun, ensuring it is age appropriate.
11. Asking probing questions such as "Do you love me?" "Do you miss me" "Why.... or why not" is prohibited.
12. Parents should not make any promises concerning any future visitations issues.
13. Parents are welcomed to bring gifts and food for their children, unless it is a health issue or prohibited by a Court Order. Parents are to show staff what is brought when entering the visit room.
14. Parents are free to take pictures during the visit, unless otherwise ordered by the court or in cases of alleged child sexual abuse. No video/audio recording will be done by parents. All cell phones must be put on silent and not answered during the visit.
15. Parents cannot approach each other, even through a third party, including having legal papers served to the other parent at FSC or on approach/leaving the visit. Any breach of this rule may result in immediate termination of all services and notification to the Court.
16. Parents will let children know they are loved; however, it is important to ensure your child does not feel responsible for your feelings or situation.
17. Altering the child's appearance (changing the child's clothing, non-permanent tattoos, cutting hair) is not allowed. However, re-combing or re-styling minor's hair, clear or colored fingernail polish, age appropriate makeup (i/e playing dress up) is acceptable; as such activities are part of the child/parents bonding experience. Parents are not required to ask permission from the other parent or caregiver to engage in such play activities unless prohibited by the court order.
18. Parents will assist child in entering and leaving the visit in a positive manner. Therefore, a prolonged goodbye by a parent is not permitted.