El Dorado — Parent-Child Supervision Guidelines for Non-Professional Visitation through the Child Safe Program

Source: https://www.eldorado.courts.ca.gov/system/files/parent-child-supervision-guidelines.pdf

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA

COUNTY OF EL DORADO

IN RE MARRIAGE OF: CASE NO. __________________

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Petitioner/Plaintiff

vs.

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Respondent/Defendant

PARENT-CHILD SUPERVISION GUIDELINES FOR NON-PROFESSIONAL VISITATION THROUGH THE CHILD SAFE PROGRAM

A. BACKGROUND

If the child does not already know the supervisor, the supervisor should have

an initial visit with the child in the presence of the custodial parent prior to

supervising any visits. This is an opportunity to get acquainted with the child.

It is not an opportunity for custodial parent to influence the supervisor.

Certain allegations have been made regarding dangerous or inappropriate

behaviors by the visiting parent toward the child.

The visiting parent has denied allegations.

It is not the supervisor’s role to believe or disbelieve the allegations. The

supervisor must accept that the allegations could be true or they could be

untrue.

Parent Child Supervision Guidelines Local Form F-25 Optional Use Form Eff. 1/17/01

Supervised visitation is for the protection of both the child and the visiting

parent denying the allegations that have been made.

The Supervisor’s Role is to Assure that the Child is:

Free to have an enjoyable experience with the visiting parent;

Physically safe;

Not exposed to behaviors that are unduly stressful or emotionally upsetting.

B. SUPERVISION RULES

Certain rules are necessary to assure that these objectives can be met. These rules

are based on psychological principles that are directed primarily toward the

welfare of the child, but which also address the feelings and concerns of the

parents:

1. The supervised parent is not alone with the child at any time, including

transportation to and from visitation.

2. The supervised parent is not to engage in whispered conversations with

the child at any time.

3. The supervised parent may invite, but may not demand or coerce, physical

contact with the child.

4. Neither parent will question the visitation supervisor’s judgment in front

of the child or children. Complaints about the supervisor’s decisions

should be brought to the attention of the Family Court Services counselor

or the Court at a later time.

5. The supervised parent visitor will not initiate any discussions with the

child or children about the court case, about the allegations, about the

Parent Child Supervision Guidelines
Local Form F-25
Optional Use Form
Eff. 1/17/01

other party, or about future plans to live together, or take trips together,

etc.

6. The visiting parent will provide the opportunity to approve in advance any

   gifts given to the child or children during the visit.

7. There shall be no use or abuse of substances, alcohol or drugs during

   and/or 12 hours prior to the supervised visitation appointment.

8. The court will not require an oral or written summary of the visits by the

   visitation supervisor. Neither party may ask the supervisor to testify in

   court, if they wish to utilize the Child Safe Program.

9. Additional information and requirements of the court about the limitations,

   structure, schedule and location of the visits, reporting requirements to the

   court and subsequent court dates are included here:

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10. The visitation supervisor should contact El Dorado County Child

    Protective Services 621-7100 if the supervisor has good reason to believe:

    Any instance of child abuse has occurred or

    Any mental suffering is or has been inflicted upon the child or if his or

    her emotional well-being is or has been endangered.

11. The visitation supervisor has the right in their discretion to terminate a

    parent from this program for non-compliance with these guidelines and

    refer the parties to the Court. If these services are terminated, the visiting

    Parent Child Supervision Guidelines Local Form F-25 Optional Use Form Eff. 1/17/01

parent may continue subsequent parenting with an agreed professional

agency per the parenting schedule contained in their order.

12. All parents wishing to utilize this service must execute any and all

authorizations as directed by the Court.

13. All parents must be photographed and submit vehicle license, registration,

identification card or driver’s license.

14. A failure to exercise three or more scheduled parenting sessions shall

disqualify a parent from this program.

C. NECESSARY CERTIFICATIONS

SUPERVISOR: I have read, understand, and have been provided a copy of the

Parent-Child Supervision Guidelines. I shall not allow my personal opinions or

relationship with either parent influence my assuring parental compliance with the

behaviors required. I shall terminate the visit if the behaviors of the parent do not

conform to this guideline or in any other way jeopardize the physical or emotional

well-being of the child.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California

that the foregoing is true and correct.

Dated: ____________ __________________________________________ Parent-Child Visitation Supervisor

VISITING PARENT: I have read, understand, and have provided a copy of the

Parent-Child Supervisor’s Guidelines. (I understand that supervised visits are for

my protection as well as the child’s.) I agree to behave in accordance with the

Guideline. I shall not attempt to influence the Supervisor regarding any of the

issues pending before the Court.

Parent Child Supervision Guidelines Local Form F-25 Optional Use Form Eff. 1/17/01

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California

that the foregoing is true and correct.

Dated: ____________ ____________________________________ Visiting Parent

CUSTODIAL PARENT: I have read, understand, and have been provided a

copy of the Parent-Child Supervision Guidelines. I shall make the child available

for all visits scheduled with the visitation supervisor. I shall not attempt to

influence the supervisor regarding any of the issues pending before the Court.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California

that the foregoing is true and correct.

Dated: ____________ ____________________________________ Custodial Parent

COUNSEL FOR THE PARENTS: We have approved the above guidelines for

supervised visitation. We have reviewed these with our clients and advised them

of the practical and legal consequences of this agreement.

Dated: ____________ ____________________________________ Attorney for Visiting Parent

Dated: ____________ ____________________________________ Attorney for Custodial Parent

Parent Child Supervision Guidelines Local Form F-25 Optional Use Form Eff. 1/17/01