F.A.C.E.S. guiding principle is to protect the best interests of the children whose parents have a custody or visitation matter within the family courts. Sometimes, based on issues of protection and safety, a judge will decide that in order for a child to have contact with a parent, a neutral third person must be present during any visitation. A judge make these orders on a temporary basis in order to give the visiting parent an opportunity to address specific problems or when contact is being reestablished after a prolonged absence. The court order will specify the time and duration of visits. Sometimes, the court order will also specify the provider and where the visits are to take place. F.A.C.E.S. is a professional provider for these services.
How Does F.A.C.E.S. Monitored/Supervised Visitation Program Work?
The relationship you have with F.A.C.E.S. is considered a business relationship in which services are performed for a fee. Before you begin supervised visits both the custodial and non-custodial parent will be required to meet with F.A.C.E.S. in person (separately) to complete the Intake Application Interview and discuss certain topics about the visit. These topics include:
- Terms of the visit, review of court order
- Method of payment
- Safety procedures and visitation rules
Prepare for the interview as you would prepare for a business interview. Make a list of questions you have for F.A.C.E.S. and make sure you understand what services will be provided and what is expected of you. This will help you feel more comfortable during the visits and allow you to focus on your child.
You will be required to sign an agreement to all conditions related to fees and services at the time of the Intake Application Interview.
What is the Job of the Professional Monitored/Supervised Visitation Provider?
F.A.C.E.S. makes every effort to keep your child safe and supports your child in enjoying the visit with the supervised parent. It is F.A.C.E.S.' job to make sure that the children involved in the visits are safe and free from any unnecessary stress. The monitor must be present at all times during the visit, listen to what is being said, and pay close attention to the child's behavior. If necessary, the monitor may interrupt or terminate a visit. A Visitation Summary Report is completed at all visits and maintained in the clients file. All providers are required to report suspected child abuse to the Child Abuse Hotline at (714) 940-1000.
Fees for Services
Fees for Monitored/Supervised Visitations are paid for by the visiting (non-custodial) parent, or as directed by the court order, and based on a sliding scale, meaning that the hourly fee is determined on the net monthly income (after taxes/deductions)
* $40.00 Intake Application Fee for Non-Custodial Parent
* $22.00 to $40.00 Hourly Visitation Fee based on sliding scale - To qualify for sliding scale fee, a financial statement must be complete with recent payroll records, otherwise the standard $40.00 hourly fee applies. Adjustment waivers are considered in special circumstances.
Visitation Cancellation Policy : A 24-hour cancellation notification is required from either party. The canceling party will be responsible for the 1 st hourly fee if not cancelled within this timeframe. Fee must be paid prior to next visitation. Rescheduling fees may apply.
"No Show" Policy: The "No Show" party (custodial and/or non-custodial) will be responsible for the 1 st hourly fee. Fee must be paid prior to next visitation. Rescheduling fees may apply.
* Pricing for services are subject to change without notice
Tips for the Visiting Parent
Being with you child in the presence of someone else may be uncomfortable for you, at least in the beginning. You probably have many questions and concerns, and that is perfectly understandable. During tough times you may want to talk to a mental health professional or find a support group to help you with your feelings. Do your best to focus on your relationship with your child. Your patience and commitment will pay off. Here are some suggestions that might be helpful to you:
• Read the Court Order thoroughly
• Arrive and depart on time as determined by the Provider
• Avoid discussing the court case with child
• Avoid quizzing your child about the other parent
• Avoid making your child a messenger to other party
• Say brief and positive good-byes to your child when visit is over.
Tips for the Custodial Parent
Supervised visitation can also be a challenge for you. Typically you have been taking care of your child's everyday needs and have a routine for yourself and your family. Supervised visitation can sometimes feel like one more responsibility. Of course you also have concerns and questions about the visits and how they will affect your child. This is understandable. In difficult times you may also want to talk to a mental health professional or find a support group where you can talk about your feelings. Here are a few suggestions that might help you in the process:
• Read the Court Order thoroughly
• Explain to our child where and when the visits will take place
• Have your child ready on time and be prompt
• Reassure your child that you support him/her in having a pleasant visit
• Avoid quizzing your child about the visit
• Avoid making your child a messenger to the other part
The non-custodial parent will be present in the exchange room 15 minutes prior to the scheduled exchange. The custodial parent will arrive at the scheduled time. A staff person escorts the child into the Center and the custodial parent leaves the premises. Fifteen minutes later, the non-custodial parent may leave with the child.
Following the visit, the non-custodial parent and child must return at the scheduled time. The custodial parent arrives 15 minutes following the child's return to pick up the child.
Our Fullerton facility has two entrances and a number of restrooms and waiting rooms available for exchange. We believe that the quiet, comfortable, home-style setting at F.A.C.E.S. provides a more conducive environment for calm exchange than can be afforded by parking lot, fast-food restaurant, or police station.
Reports will be submitted to the courts upon court reviews. Reports will consist of a summary of the observations made by staff. F.A.C.E.S does not conduct parental assessments or make recommendations. F.A.C.E.S. must be informed by attorneys or parents as to when court reports are due.
