The purpose of professionally supervised contact between parent and child is to ensure that:
1. The child is free to have an enjoyable experience with the parent.
2. The child is physically, emotionally, and mentally safe.
3. The child is not exposed to behaviours that would be unduly stressful and emotionally upsetting.
Certain parental behaviours are necessary to ensure that these objectives can be met. These behaviours are based on valid psychological principles, which are directed primarily toward the child's welfare yet also address the feelings and concerns of the parents.
1. The parent should not be alone with the child or engage in whispered conversations.
2. The parent can invite, but not demand or coerce, physical contact with the child.
3. Presents and other visitors may be stressful by their unexpectedness. *The visiting parent must obtain prior approval from the supervisor and Program Manager.
4. Because past events may have caused stress/trauma and the child is uncertain about the future, the visiting parent is required to avoid referring to past events and plans in discussions with the child. The visit should focus on the present so the child experiences a calm and pleasurable visit.
If the parent's behaviours do not conform to this guideline or in any other way jeopardize the physical or emotional well-being of the child, the visit will be terminated.
To request a visit appointment, please fill in our online application. http://www.familyconnectionsinc.net/sas-application-form
Fee Schedule:
We aim to provide clear and transparent information regarding our fee structure, which is also included in the Supervised Access Handbook provided to all new clients. Below are the details of our fees:
Hourly Rate: $50 for services, with a minimum booking of 2 hours.
Reports and Letters for Lawyers: $50 per hour, billed with a minimum of 2 hours.
Additional Supervision Time: Should you require extra supervision beyond the agreed time, fees will be charged at $5 per minute. This includes time spent in the parking lot or if you stay after to speak with a supervisor or other visiting parties.
Visit Notes: A fee of $15 will be charged for each visit note requested by parents or parties. Each individual is responsible for submitting their request and payment for these notes.
Court Appearances: Our fee for court appearances is set at $1,000.
Travel Time: We charge a minimum fee of $35 per hour for travel time associated with visits.
No Shows: If an appointment is missed without prior notice, there is a charge of $50 per hour, with a minimum fee of 2 hours.
Cancellation Policy: We kindly request a 72-hour notice for any visit cancellations. In the absence of such notice, the paying party will be responsible for the minimum 2-hour call-out fees.
Please note that we are unable to waive any fees, as these help us maintain the quality of our services.
ALL Payments are due at least Tuesday before your scheduled weekend visit or four days before a weekday visit.
If payment has not been received, you will receive one reminder on the day it is due. If it is not accepted on time, we will have no choice but to cancel your visit to allow another client to access your time spot.
Payments can be made by Email Money Transfer (EMT) information will be provided after your first visit has been booked.
**FCI will cancel the visit if payment is not received on time. We recommend that payments be made in advance so this does not happen, as all fees are refundable with a 72-hour cancellation notice. If the child is sick, refunds will be approved if a doctor’s note is provided after the 72-hour mark. Otherwise, the visit will be recorded as a late cancellation with no proof of why the visit was cancelled. This will be documented and available to both parties. Receipts are available upon request.
We provide supervision on weekdays and weekends ending at 6:00 pm. We may require one week of notice for the first visit. The first visit is an introduction visit and will last a maximum of two hours (depending on court order). This allows all parties to meet and become comfortable with each other. After the first visit, we will provide supervision for up to 8 hours, provided we can find a supervisor willing to supervise for an extended period.
A court order is not required. However, we feel it is in the best interest of everyone involved if we have all the information. We will do our best to support the court order, but we cannot enforce them. The supervisor will document everything, and the visit will end immediately if there is a safety issue.
During the visit, a contact note will be written for FCI records. A request for the notes can be made for a fee of $15 per visit note per parent or party (each party is responsible for paying and submitting a request for the notes). We require a minimum not limited to of one week's notice after payment has been received.
Our main objective is to ensure the well-being of the child(ren) at the visit. We are not interested in the personal details of the different parties involved. The visit will be terminated if anything inappropriate arises during the visit. This would include intoxication, suspected drug use, inappropriate language, activities or discussions, or someone who shows up at the visit, which is not on the court order or preapproved by the custodial parent and program manager. These MUST be done a minimum of 24 hrs before the scheduled visit.
If the child(ren) does not want to be at the visit or engage with the visitor, we will not force the child(ren) to remain, and the visit will end.
All parties are required to be on time. If you are late, we request you let the facilitator know as soon as possible. FCI may cancel your visit if you are more than 20 minutes late.
Please bring age-appropriate activities for the child(ren). We suggest coloring, drawing, and creative activities, such as a tea party set, building blocks, cardboard, or craft materials.
You need to understand photos may be taken during your parenting time (unless otherwise indicated in a court order). Videos or recordings are prohibited.
No weapons, animals or pets are permitted.
The visiting parent is NOT permitted to administer any medications or Tylenol during a visit.
There will be no whispering or attempts to hide a conversation with the child.
We will not pass notes or gifts between parents or serve parents with court papers before, during or after a visit. The visit location is not the place for these matters.
The bathroom stall door must remain open per our SAS standards if a child needs assistance in a bathroom setting.
You understand you are responsible for your child's behaviour during the visit. SAS can end the visit if your child's behaviour is beyond your control.
Our program is a community-based program, and there is a possibility the supervisor may allow you to go outside if the weather permits unless your court order states you are not to leave the building.
It is best to have your child have some outside fun and not be confined to the indoors.
All VISITING parents will be required to enter through the backside door on the south end of the building -No more than 5 minutes before your scheduled time. There is parking at the Home Depot or on the street. As long as you refrain from walking and driving past the main entrance. Upon entry, you will be asked to go up the stairs and remain there.
At the end of the visit, goodbyes will be said at the door to the back stairs, and you will leave out the same door you entered.
All DROP-OFF parents/guardians will enter and exit through the main entrance at the time of the visit. EVERYONE is expected to walk directly to their car and leave immediately. We believe all our clients, as do the children, have a right to privacy. This is why it is essential to go right after your visit and not stay to talk to your supervisor. If you have any concerns or questions, please address them via email or a phone call. The supervisor will not address these at the visit.
If you have any questions, please email us at sas@familyconnectionsinc.net.
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