— The non-custodial parent is the person visiting the chilDREN
Non-Custodial Parent Norms
- Food and soft drinks are allowed in reasonable amounts. Please adhere to any dietary restrictions your child may have. The visiting parent is responsible for clean up at the end of the visit.
- Toys and small gifts are appropriate.
- Toys and games are available for use during the visit. All toys must be put up neatly before the end of the visit.
- There is a small refrigerator and microwave. Food and drink items may be stored in the refrigerator during the visit. Water is available and there is a sink for clean-up.
- Children are not allowed to utilize the toilet facilities with the visiting parent without supervision. Older children, at the visitation supervisor’s discretion, will be allowed usage alone.
- Children must remain with their visiting parents and are not allowed to “play” with other children. Visiting parents must limit interaction with other visiting parents during the visit.
- Conversation between visiting parents and children is expected to be positive. No discussion regarding the child’s custody case is permitted. No derogatory statements are to be made regarding the custodial parents, DFCS, or any other persons or entities involved in the child’s case.
- The visiting parent is to ensure that all conversation with the child is audible, understood by the supervisor, and in English unless a DFCS interpreter is provided. No whispering to the child or private conversations are permitted.
- No inappropriate physical contact (as judged by the visitation supervisor) is allowed between the visiting parent and the child.
- Cell phone usage for video games, streaming TV and movies, and the like should be limited. Telephone or video calls should be limited.
— The custodial parent is the person dropping off the chilDREN
Custodial Parent/Guardian Norms
- Custodial parents/guardians should not interfere with the visit unless asked to do so by the director.
- Custodial parents/guardians may prohibit any food or drink item for the child’s health. Please communicate this to the non-custodial parent and the supervisor.
- Please adhere to the agreed upon visitation schedule. If arriving early to pick up the children, please wait out of sight of the children until the full time is complete.
- Please contact Starting Over if, for whatever reason, the children will no longer be participating in our program.