SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF EL DORADO IN RE MARRIAGE OF: Petitioner/Plaintiff vs. CASE NO. Respondent/Defendant PARENT-CHILD SUPERVISION GUIDELINES FOR NON-PROFESSIONAL VISITATION THROUGH THE CHILD SAFE PROGRAM A. BACKGROUND If the child does not already know the supervisor, the supervisor should have an initial visit with the child in the presence of the custodial parent prior to supervising any visits. This is an opportunity to get acquainted with the child. It is not an opportunity for custodial parent to influence the supervisor. Certain allegations have been made regarding dangerous or inappropriate behaviors by the visiting parent toward the child. The visiting parent has denied allegations. It is not the supervisor's role to believe or disbelieve the allegations. The supervisor must accept that the allegations could be true or they could be untrue. 1 Local Form F-25 Effective 1/17/01 ED-F25 2002 © American LegalNet, Inc. Supervised visitation is for the protection of both the child and the visiting parent denying the allegations that have been made. The Supervisor's Role is to Assure that the Child is: Free to have an enjoyable experience with the visiting parent; Physically safe; Not exposed to behaviors that are unduly stressful or emotionally upsetting. B. SUPERVISION RULES Certain rules are necessary to assure that these objectives can be met. These rules are based on psychological principles that are directed primarily toward the welfare of the child, but which also address the feelings and concerns of the parents: 1. The supervised parent is not alone with the child at any time, including transportation to and from visitation. 2. The supervised parent is not to engage in whispered conversations with the child at any time. 3. The supervised parent may invite, but may not demand or coerce, physical contact with the child. 4. Neither parent will question the visitation supervisor's judgment in front of the child or children. Complaints about the supervisor's decisions should be brought to the attention of the Family Court Services counselor or the Court at a later time. 5. The supervised parent visitor will not initiate any discussions with the child or children about the court case, about the allegations, about the 2 Local Form F-25 Effective 1/17/01 2002 © American LegalNet, Inc. other party, or about future plans to live together, or take trips together, etc. 6. The visiting parent will provide the opportunity to approve in advance any gifts given to the child or children during the visit. 7. There shall be no use of abuse of substances, alcohol or drugs during and/or 12 hours prior to the supervised visitation appointment. 8. The court will not require any oral or written summary of the visits by the visitation supervisor. Neither party may ask the supervisor to testify in court, if they wish to utilize the Child Safe Program. 9. Additional information and requirements of the court about the limitations, structure, schedule and location of the visits, reporting requirements to the court and subsequent court dates are included here: 10. The visitation supervisor should contact El Dorado County Child Protective Services 621-7100 if the supervisor has good reason to believe: Any instance of child abuse has occurred or Any mental suffering is or has been inflicted upon the child or if his or her emotional well-being is or has been endangered. 11. The visitation supervisor has the right in their discretion to terminate a parent from this program for non-compliance with these guidelines and refer the parties to the Court. If these services are terminated, the visiting 3 Local Form F-25 Effective 1/17/01 2002 © American LegalNet, Inc. parent may continue subsequent parenting with an agreed professional agency per the parenting schedule contained in their order. 12. All parents wishing to utilize this service must execute any and all authorizations as directed by the Court. 13. All parents must be photographed and submit vehicle license, registration, identification card or driver's license. 14. A failure to exercise three or more scheduled parenting sessions shall disqualify a parent from this program. C. NECESSARY CERTIFICATIONS SUPERVISOR: I have read, understand, and have been provided a copy of the Parent-Child Supervision Guidelines. I shall not allow my personal opinions or relationship with either parent influence my assuring parental compliance with the behaviors required. I shall terminate the visit if the behaviors of the parent do not conform to this guideline or in any other way jeopardize the physical or emotional well-being of the child. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct. Dated: Parent-Child Visitation Supervisor VISITING PARENT: I have read, understand, and have provided a copy of the Parent-Child Supervisor's Guidelines. (I understand that supervised visits are for my protection as well as the child's.) I agree to behave in accordance with the Guideline. I shall not attempt to influence the Supervisor regarding any of the issues pending before the Court. 4 Local Form F-25 Effective 1/17/01 2002 © American LegalNet, Inc. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct. Dated: Visiting Parent CUSTODIAL PARENT: I have read, understand, and have been provided a copy of the Parent-Child Supervision Guidelines. I shall make the child available for all visits scheduled with the visitation supervisor. I shall not attempt to influence the supervisor regarding any of the issues pending before the Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct. Dated: Custodial Parent COUNSEL FOR THE PARENTS: We have approved the above guidelines for supervised visitation. We have reviewed these with our clients and advised them of the practical and legal consequences of this agreement. Dated: Attorney for Visiting Parent Dated: Attorney for Custodial Parent 5 Local Form F-25 Effective 1/17/01 2002 © American LegalNet, Inc.