Standards For Supervised Visitation Practice

14.0 Intake & Orientation

14.1 Purpose

This section defines the duties and obligations for conducting intake and orientation.

14.2 General Policy

A provider must include a face-to-face interview with each parent separately during the intake or the orientation.

14.3 Intake

1. A provider must conduct interviews with each of the parents prior to the beginning of service. Providers may collaborate with the court or referring agency in conducting the intake.
2. Parents must be interviewed separately and at different times so that they do not come into contact with each other.
3. A provider must inquire during the intake process about the reasons for the referral and information on any family issues that may impact the parent/child contact or the safety of the participants.
4. A provider must inquire about ongoing or chronic medical conditions of the participants that could affect the health and safety of the child, or the parents, or other participants during parent/child contact.
5. A provider must inform each parent about the limits of confidentiality and request a release of information from each parent allowing the provider to communicate with other individuals and/or agencies designated on the release.
6. A provider must explain the program rules and policies with each parent prior to the beginning of service.
7. A provider must have a service agreement signed by each parent prior to the commencement of service.

14.4 Orientation by the Provider

A provider must conduct an orientation for each client prior to the beginning of service that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Familiarization with the staff and the site/location of the visits;
2. Discussion of the safety arrangements;
3. The plans for service;
4. The reasons for the supervision and that supervision is not the child's fault; and
5. An opportunity for the clients to express concerns.

14.5 Child Preparation by the Parent

1. A provider must give parents written information about preparing their children for supervised visitation services prior to the first visit and in accordance with the child's age and stage of development.
2. The provider's written information for the preparation of the child must include the plans for service, the reasons for supervision, and that supervision is not the child's fault.
3. An exception to describing the plans for service, the reasons for the supervision, and safety arrangements may be made for infants and toddlers.