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Visitation & Incarcerated Visitation & Incarcerated Parents WorkgroupParents Workgroup
Report to theReport to the
Pennsylvania StatePennsylvania State
Children’s RoundtableChildren’s RoundtableMay 27, 2011May 27, 2011
Harrisburg, PAHarrisburg, PA
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How We Got StartedHow We Got Started
Last year: Part of Fatherhood
EngagementPreliminary Report to SRT in
May 2010 recommended expansion/new workgroup
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How We Got StartedHow We Got Started
Visitation—issues not limited to dads
Purpose: Identify & develop best
practices Make recommendations
about frequency, quality, who visits, supervision & location of visits
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How We Got StartedHow We Got Started
Incarcerated Parents—issues apply to moms as well
Purpose: Identify & develop best
practices, Develop protocol for
engagement
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How We Got StartedHow We Got Started
Make recommendations about visitation & engagement in:Case PlanningDelivery of ServicesCourt Process
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Visitation Is a Right—Not a Visitation Is a Right—Not a Privilege!Privilege!
Importance of VisitationImportance of Visitation Eases Trauma of Separation Helps to Preserve or Develop
Bond Frequent, Meaningful, Quality
Visitation=Predictor of Reunification!!
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Visitation Is a Right—Not a Visitation Is a Right—Not a Privilege!Privilege!
Importance of VisitationImportance of VisitationProvides Opportunity for
Ongoing AssessmentProvides Parents w/
opportunity to learn, improve, develop & practice parenting
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Visitation Is a Right—Not a Visitation Is a Right—Not a Privilege!Privilege!
Importance of VisitationImportance of VisitationEases Parents’ Concerns About
the care the children are receiving
Visitation honors the existing bond, while providing a safe environment
Communicates that family is important
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Who Should Visit?Who Should Visit?
ParentsSiblings (Act 115)GrandparentsAunts & UnclesMentors OthersParents whose rights have
been terminated (Act 101)
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The Importance of FathersThe Importance of Fathers
BarriersBarriers No prior involvement Focus of agency & court on
mothers
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The Importance of FathersThe Importance of Fathers
BarriersBarriers Mothers are resistant Fathers do not respond to
traditional outreach
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The Importance of FathersThe Importance of Fathers
It is in the child’s best interest (in most cases) to have regular contact with father
Use other forms of contact, in addition to visits
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The Importance of FathersThe Importance of Fathers
Use FGDM to involve fathers
Think outside of the box to ensure visits with fathers are meaningful!
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Frequency, Duration & Frequency, Duration & Intensity of VisitsIntensity of Visits
Infants & ToddlersInfants & Toddlers First Visit—within 72 hours of
removal Minimum of 3 visits per week Daily visits for new-borns &
infants, if possible
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Frequency, Duration & Frequency, Duration & Intensity of VisitsIntensity of Visits
Infants & ToddlersInfants & Toddlers Kinship caregivers, if
possible Foster home close to the
parents
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Frequency, Duration & Frequency, Duration & Intensity of VisitsIntensity of Visits
Children Ages 5 to 12Children Ages 5 to 12 First Visit—within 72 hours of
removal Consider child’s activities—
Decrease frequency & increase duration
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Frequency, Duration & Frequency, Duration & Intensity of VisitsIntensity of Visits
Children Ages 5 to 12Children Ages 5 to 12 Collateral Activities Discourage visits @
child’s discretion Minimum of once per
week
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Frequency, Duration & Frequency, Duration & Intensity of VisitsIntensity of Visits
Children Ages 13 to 17Children Ages 13 to 17First Visit—within 72 hours
of removalConsider child’s
independence and wishes
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Frequency, Duration & Frequency, Duration & Intensity of VisitsIntensity of Visits
Children Ages 13 to 17Children Ages 13 to 17 Discourage visits @ child’s
discretion At least once per week Let the visit end naturally
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Frequency, Duration & Frequency, Duration & Intensity of VisitsIntensity of Visits
Children Ages 18 to 21Children Ages 18 to 21
Visits at their discretion
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Frequency, Duration & Frequency, Duration & Intensity of VisitsIntensity of Visits
Other ConsiderationsOther Considerations Safety is primary
consideration Reunification—move
quickly from supervised to unsupervised to overnight to extended
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Frequency, Duration & Frequency, Duration & Intensity of VisitsIntensity of Visits
Other ConsiderationsOther ConsiderationsOther meaningful contact (calls, letters, school activities, etc.)Large sibling groups—consider separating
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Frequency, Duration & Frequency, Duration & Intensity of VisitsIntensity of Visits
Other ConsiderationsOther ConsiderationsSibling visits should occur at least twice per monthVisitation plan should address visits with others.
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Role of the CourtRole of the Court
Judicial Oversight is Key!!Judicial Oversight is Key!! Shelter Hearing—If visits
have not occurred, court should order
If agency recommends supervised visits, court should ask WHY?
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Role of the CourtRole of the Court
In deciding WHERE child is placed—consider HOW it will impact on ability to visit
Judge should state on the record visitation plan and expectations
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Role of the CourtRole of the Court
Court order should set forth: Supervision (& reasons) Frequency & duration Location Whether a Report is
required
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Role of the CourtRole of the Court
Court order should set forth: Who will transport Assistance to parents Sibling visits Visits with others
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Role of the CourtRole of the Court
Judge should also order other contacts
If visitation plan has not been followed, judge should ask WHY and consider “no reasonable efforts”, if appropriate
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Role of the CourtRole of the Court
At every hearing, the judge should examine the plan and change, if appropriate
If visits are observed or therapeutic, judge should ask about changes or improvements
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Role of the CourtRole of the Court
Judge should always ask the child about the visits
Never withhold visitation as punishment:
Visitation is a Right—Not a Visitation is a Right—Not a Privilege!Privilege!
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Supervision & OversightSupervision & Oversight
Supervision—reason related to physical, mental, or emotional safety
Oversight—specific, documented reason needed
Supervision should NOT be the “default” position
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Supervision & OversightSupervision & Oversight
If supervised, there should be a plan to move to unsupervised when goal is reunification
Visits should never occur at the discretion of the agency
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Supervision & OversightSupervision & Oversight
Unsupervised visits—preferred Entirely Supervised—Sight &
SoundDocumented safety concernsPhysical, sexual, emotional abusePressure to recant testimonyRisk to abscond
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Supervision & OversightSupervision & Oversight
Visitation Supervisors should be trained
If safety concerns can be addressed without constant supervision, consider a less restrictive level—example: change location
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Supervision & OversightSupervision & Oversight
Therapeutic VisitsFacilitated by a licensed therapistAppropriate where parent/child
have strained relationship, child is witness to or victim of abuse, where parent lacks understanding of child’s mental, emotional, physical & social development
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Supervision & OversightSupervision & Oversight
Structured VisitsHelps parents develop parenting
skillsFacilitator should be neutral
trained personFacilitator provides feedback &
intervention & assists in developing visitation plan
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Supervision & OversightSupervision & Oversight
Monitored & Observed VisitsNeeded if court wants a reportAppropriate to ensure that
there are no safety concerns—is parent under the influence or sober
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Supervision & OversightSupervision & Oversight
Who Should Supervise?Anyone—consider the reasons for
the supervisionParent & child should be
comfortable with the supervisorSame person should supervise
each timeSame person should transport
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Supervision & OversightSupervision & Oversight
Training for Supervisors Training for Supervisors Intervention techniquesUnderstanding the normal
reactions & behaviors of children & parents before, during & after visits
Proper Parenting techniques
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Supervision & OversightSupervision & Oversight
Redirection techniquesFamily dynamicsCommunication skillsCultural competency &
awarenessProper feedback
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Supervision & OversightSupervision & Oversight
Evaluation & AssessmentEvaluation & AssessmentVisitation supervisor should testify
in courtAgencies should develop an
evaluation toolFeedback should be given
immediately & should include STRENGTHS as well as areas for improvement
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Supervision & OversightSupervision & Oversight
Special Concerns/CircumstancesSpecial Concerns/CircumstancesDomestic AbuseSexual AbuseChildren in Group HomesParent or Child with Special
Needs
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Location of VisitsLocation of Visits
Location, Location, Location—Location, Location, Location—Does it Matter?Does it Matter?
Parents’ HomeCommunityFoster HomeVisitation CenterAgency Visiting RoomOther Contacts
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Quality of VisitationQuality of Visitation
Preparation for Visitation—What’s the plan?
Feedback and DebriefingVisit Coaching
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Goodbye/Moving On VisitsGoodbye/Moving On Visits
Held after TPRNot just another visitHelps provide a sense of closureParent accepts responsibility and
reassures that TPR is not child’s fault
Preparation is essentialTrained facilitator is essential
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Goodbye/Moving On VisitsGoodbye/Moving On Visits
Location is importantNot appropriate in all cases—
consider Dangerous/disruptive behavior of a
parent at prior visits No contact orders Refusal of parent to participate in
planning of the visits Child’s therapist says no Refusal of child or parent to participate
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Best Practices Best Practices Model ProgramsModel Programs
Visit CoachingVisit CoachingBridging the GapBridging the GapVisitation Houses (Indiana, Visitation Houses (Indiana,
Washington, Westmoreland)Washington, Westmoreland)Visit HostingVisit Hosting
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Best Practices Best Practices Model ProgramsModel Programs
Arsenal Therapeutic Arsenal Therapeutic Visitation Program Visitation Program (Allegheny)(Allegheny)
Project PACT Rapid Project PACT Rapid Reunification (Beaver)Reunification (Beaver)
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Engagement In Case PlanningEngagement In Case Planning
Protocol for AgencyProtocol for AgencyCW should meet w/parentCW should ask about relative
caregiversAttempt to ascertain release date
so that case plan includes discharge plan
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Engagement In Case PlanningEngagement In Case Planning
Protocol for AgencyProtocol for AgencyCW should explain court process to
parent and provide info on representation
If the FSP was made prior to incarceration, it should be amended to include goals for the incarcerated parent
CW should notify the parent of all meeting and hearings
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Engagement In Case PlanningEngagement In Case Planning
Protocol for AgencyProtocol for AgencyCW should determine whether
assessments were made and what steps parent has taken to comply with treatment recommendations
CW should assess availability of services in the facility
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Engagement In Case PlanningEngagement In Case Planning
Best Practices for the AgencyBest Practices for the AgencyFGDMFGDM should be used to
engage in case planningVideoconferencingVideoconferencing (for FSP &
PPM meetings, family conferences,etc.)
CW should contact the social worker in the jail or prison
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Engagement In Case PlanningEngagement In Case Planning
Protocol for the Parent AttorneyProtocol for the Parent AttorneyMeet w/client—
videoconferencing, teleconferencing & letters can help
Ask client about relative caregivers
Explain ASFA
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Engagement In Case PlanningEngagement In Case Planning
Protocol for the Parent AttorneyProtocol for the Parent AttorneyStress importance of working on FSP
goals during incarcerationMaintain contact w/client on regular
basisSpeak w/jail social workerAssist parent in collecting
documentation of participation in programs
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Engagement In Case PlanningEngagement In Case Planning
Role of Judge or MasterRole of Judge or MasterJudicial Oversight is Key!“Set the tone”—Expectation is
that CW meet w/incarcerated parent (IP) & IP is included in the FSP
Judge should ask the CW if IP has been included in the FSP
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Engagement In Case PlanningEngagement In Case Planning
Role of Judge or MasterRole of Judge or MasterCourt order should set forth
expectations for CW and for the IP
Court should order IP to contact the CW w/I 72 hours of release
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Engagement In Case PlanningEngagement In Case Planning
Role of Judge or MasterRole of Judge or MasterPermit CWs & lawyers to
use court videoconferencing equipment & space to facilitate meetings & conferences
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Engagement In Delivery of Engagement In Delivery of
ServicesServices
Incarceration does not relieve duty to make reasonable efforts or offer reasonable services
Most institutions offer some services
Agency should assess services
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Engagement In Court ProcessEngagement In Court Process
Participation in court hearings is critical
Participation should be “rule rather than the exception”
Parent attorney should insist that IP attends hearing
Videoconferencing and teleconferencing will help
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Engagement In Court ProcessEngagement In Court Process
Appearances in court provide an opportunity for child to have contact w/IP and for the court to observe the interaction
Appearances in court enable judge to engage the parent and to encourage the parent to participate in case planning & FSP goals
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Engagement In Court ProcessEngagement In Court Process
Protocol for the CourtProtocol for the CourtAutomatic appointment of
counselOrder appearance of IP at
every hearing (in person by video or phone)
State on record the expectations for the IP
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Visitation Visitation
Importance of Visitation and Importance of Visitation and Contact Between Children & IPsContact Between Children & IPs
2003 Pgh. Child Guidance 2003 Pgh. Child Guidance Foundation Focus GroupsFoundation Focus GroupsMost children desire to maintain relationships w/IPs
Most IPs desire to maintain contact w/ their children
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Visitation Visitation
2003 Pgh. Child Guidance 2003 Pgh. Child Guidance Foundation Focus GroupsFoundation Focus GroupsContact visits are bestNeed appropriate space to visit
Children need preparation to visit
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Visitation Visitation
BarriersBarriersPrisons not supportiveSome allow visits only for moms
Distance, staff resources, etc.Lack of videoconferencingSome county prison do not allow visits
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Visitation Visitation
BarriersBarriersSome judges/masters will not order
CWs do not recommend Lack of preparation for child & IP Lack of structureProblems w/supervision
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Visitation Visitation
RecommendationsRecommendationsIf child had contact w/IP prior to
incarceration, contact should continue
Contact visits are preferredVirtual visits (video and Skype)
should be used to increase frequency of contact
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Visitation Visitation
RecommendationsRecommendationsCWs & attorneys should encourage
other contacts (letters, cards, etc.)CW should meet w/IP to prepare
for the visitGAL, CASA, therapist should meet
w/child to prepare for visitChild should be de-briefed after
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Visitation Visitation
Role of the Judge or MasterRole of the Judge or MasterJudicial Oversight is Key!In deciding whether to order
contact visits consider:Type of contact prior to incarceration & adjudication
Child’s needs & wishes
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Visitation Visitation
In deciding whether to order contact visits consider:Age & special needsDistanceVisitation Schedule at the jail or prison
Wishes of the IP
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Visitation Visitation
Court order should set forth: Whether contact visits should
take place Whether visits should be
supervised Type of supervision or
observationCourt should order same person to
transport
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Visitation Visitation
Court should order additional contacts
Consider whether siblings should visit together
If parent is on work release, the court should order visits to occur outside of the jail or prison (if permitted)
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Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated Parents Best Practices Best Practices
Families Outside Program—FSWPA Mother’s VoiceTelephone CardsDesignated persons in agency to
coordinate visitsDesignated person in court to
coordinate videoconferencingSpecial visitation & waiting rooms
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Final RecommendationsFinal RecommendationsNext StepsNext Steps
VisitationVisitationApprove creation of Visitation
GuideApprove Best Practice
RecommendationsExplore effects of Act 101Develop hearing/bench cards
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Final RecommendationsFinal RecommendationsNext StepsNext Steps
VisitationVisitationApprove creation & distribution
of handbooks forParentsChildrenYouthFoster Parents
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Final RecommendationsFinal RecommendationsNext StepsNext Steps
VisitationVisitationWork w/ PA Child Welfare Training
Program to develop training: Visitation Supervisors (engaging parents
& foster parents & how to supervise)
Foster Care Agencies (visitation is a part of foster care)
Court, attorneys, agency, etc. (Understanding reactions of children & parents re
visits)
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Final RecommendationsFinal RecommendationsNext StepsNext Steps
Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated ParentsApprove recommendations &
protocol for engagement in case planning, services & court process
Approve recommendation for visitation
Encourage Roundtables to invite Warden and work w/ community partners
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Final RecommendationsFinal RecommendationsNext StepsNext Steps
Incarcerated ParentsIncarcerated ParentsWork w/PA Council of Wardens,
CCAP, AOPC & PCSTJ: Compatibility for
videoconferencing Protocol for videoconferencing
Survey local county jails about visitation practices
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Visitation & Incarcerated Visitation & Incarcerated Parents WorkgroupParents Workgroup
Thank you!!Thank you!!