FAQ
What happens during counseling?
The family talks about their problems and gives examples of the things that are bothering them in their lives. With the counselor, they decide on goals they want to reach and work on how to get to those goals. Call 714.879.9616 for more information.
Does the whole family have to come to counseling or can I go alone?
The counselor will work with whoever wants to be there in the room. Sometimes it is good to see both parents at first, if the child is having problems to get an idea from each of the parents on their perspective of the problem.
From that point, the therapist or counselor may see the child individually or with each of the parents. For those who are working on issues as a single parent, they may want to come alone for a few sessions. Some single adults come in to work on building new relationships.
Therapy or counseling is about relationships. You with your home life, your job, your friends, your family members. You may want to look into how you are with yourself, how you are with others, and how others are treating you.
How do we know when we don’t have to go to counseling any more?
You will start to smile more and feel better about your life. That is when you know you don’t need counseling anymore.
Fees for Counseling Services
F.A.C.E.S. has a sliding scale fee based on each person’s ability to pay. The fee schedule it set when you make the first appointment, and you pay before each session. The counselors do not have change available, so you need to have exact payment and we do not accept checks.
Do we get assigned a counselor?
Yes, your counselor will be assigned based on that person’s availability. You can usually expect to have an appointment within a week.
What kinds of issues do people talk about in counseling?
Whatever you want to talk about is o.k. The counselor is there for you to listen and help you sort out your problems and begin to find solutions. So anything you want to talk about is what people talk about in counseling. Normally, most people have problems with relationships in their lives and are unhappy. The goal to get happier, and maintain peace or contentment on a regular basis.
Are there any things in counseling that aren’t confidential?
Child abuse, if told to a counselor, must be reported, and if you intend to do harm to another person, the counselor is also bound to report. Other than those two times, the sessions are completely confidential.
What is Monitored/Supervised Visitation?
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 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
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.
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
How Does the Exchange Program Work?
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.
Support FACES
To make a difference in the lives of children affected by family violence and to help in supporting our work, your donations of any size can be made through the donate link on this website. Supporters are recognized on our website.
