RULES & GUIDELINES
¨ Parents will use our services “in Good Faith”. This means that SVFC staff will not be put in the middle of conflict, nor be expected to make exceptions for parent’s demands. We are here for the child(ren) and will terminate services if parents are not willing to work with staff and/or administration.
¨ Payment is expected at the time of service. If a parent misses two payments in a row, services will be suspended until the balance is paid.
¨ The “drop off” parent must be available by phone for 30 minutes after bringing their child(ren) to the facility, in case the other parent doesn’t come for the service.
¨ Staff must be able to hear and see all conversations, therefore no whispering is allowed and a monitor will be with children and parent at all times.
¨ Parents must maintain a distance of at least 5 blocks from our facility, once they have dropped off their child(ren) or left a visit.
¨ No discussions about court proceedings, child support, and/or the other parent are allowed. Questions should only be specific to the child. No probing questions about school, activities or what is happening at the child’s home. If the child is made to feel anxious or uncomfortable, staff may stop the visit
¨ Parents are responsible for cleaning up their area at the end of visits/exchanges. This includes wiping up any spills, throwing away trash, putting toys away and sweeping the floor, if necessary. This should be made into a family activity with the child(ren) helping.
¨ Parents may choose an alternate driver, but it must be approved by the custodial parent. We must have copies of drivers licenses, registration and auto insurance for all drivers.
¨ Guests are not allowed during the first 4 weeks of services.
¨ Guests may be allowed with the agreement of both parties or a court order. Prior approval must be obtained from the Coordinator. Any guest not approved or planned for will be turned away at the door.
¨ No passing of legal papers, notes, money, or other items between parties. This includes presents for the other parent, even if it is intended for the child to give it to their parent.
¨ Services will be cancelled if a parent is 20 minutes late, regardless of calling. Parents are expected to arrive at their designated time. If a parent is early or late, a $1 per minute will be charged to that parent. Habitual lateness or early arrivals may result in services being suspended.
¨ Visits will take place in the visiting room or outside on the playground. Families are not allowed to go into other offices or classrooms.
¨ Children’s rights will be respected. Do not force children to show affection if they choose not to. They may take some time to get comfortable.
¨ Parents will not undress any child or change diapers and will not be allowed to take a child to the restroom without staff observation.
¨ All drivers are responsible for providing car seats and seatbelts in their vehicles. SAFE Service Staff are not to be held liable for checking every automobile for these safety restraints.
¨ No foreign language will be spoken unless the staff is proficient in that language. If English is not a language spoken by the visiting parent, SAFE Services will make an effort to find a staff member who speaks the foreign language.
¨ No smoking is permitted on the grounds (inside and outside) including the parking lot and playground.
¨ The visiting parent is expected to provide healthy food and drinks during visits. Eating supplies are also required for your visit. We do not supply plates, cups, utensils or napkins. The custodial parent must provide diapers and formula for infants and toddlers.
¨ Although it is a thoughtful gesture, SAFE Service staff may not accept any donations, gifts or food from our clients.
¨ ABSOLUTELY NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL ALLOWED AT ANY TIME! No drugs or alcohol will be used on agency premises or before and after services and no child will be released to anyone who is suspected of using drugs or alcohol. Visits and Exchanges will be immediately cancelled if staff suspects use of these substances. A parent who is suspected, can obtain a UA within 2 hours of leaving the facility and bring back the results. If the parent is found to be free of substances, a make up visit/exchange will be scheduled at no cost to the parent.
¨ NO WEAPONS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED ON AGENCY PREMISES! This includes but is not limited to: knives, firearms, sharp instruments, and explosives. St. Vrain Family Center will report and support prosecution of any person involved in such behavior.
¨ NO VIOLENT BEHAVIOR BY PARENTS AND/OR CHILDREN. This includes threats to staff or others, biting, hitting, kicking, spitting, spanking,swearing, yelling, or breaking things. Parents may use “time outs” as discipline for their child(ren).
¨ NO PLANS TO SERVE LEGAL PAPERS OR TO PURSUE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THE OTHER PARENT WILL BE TOLERATED. You are expected to respect confidentiality of other parties while they are engaged in services here or arriving/leaving the facility. This is very distressing to the children who are here.
¨ NO PARENT OR CHILD SHALL THREATEN, ABUSE OR HARASS SAFE Service staff, volunteers, administration and/or other persons using our services.