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What the Family Visitation Center Offers
We understand this is a difficult time for you and your family. The Family Visit Center (FVC) offers a safe place for you and your children. Our primary concern is safety. We have guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety. The Children’s Foundation is closed on major holidays: New Year’s Day, Marin Luther King’s Birthday, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. When there is a school closing due to severe weather or a power outage, the FVC will be closed and there will be no visits or exchanges. Any court-ordered exceptions to the regular visitation (i.e. holidays, vacations, birthdays) require at least 2 weeks advance notification. Special arrangements are subject to FVC availability.
Reports: During the supervised exchanges and supervised visitation, the FVC will collect behavioral data. Collecting behavioral data allows for objective reporting. The supervised parent is welcome to review this data at any time. Reports to the court and attorneys will be provided quarterly. Guidelines: When you are at the FVC, you are responsible for your children at all times. We understand all children need discipline and re-direction from time to time; however, physical discipline or demeaning verbal attacks towards your children will not be allowed. If you need assistance with alternate discipline techniques, please ask the FVC worker. We will be happy to discuss appropriate discipline techniques with you or refer you to someone knowledgeable of age appropriate discipline.
 Toys: Age appropriate toys are encouraged. The FVC has toys and games available for you and your children. We request you and your children put all toys and games away prior to the end of the visit. No toy guns or weapons of any kind will be allowed in the FVC. Videos & DVDs: The FVC has a television, VCR, and DVD player. You are welcome to bring age appropriate videos. The FVC also has videos you and your child may watch. Please do not bring PG-13 videos for children under the age of 13 years. Snacks and Meals: If your visitation occurs during a mealtime you will be encouraged to provide food for your children. The FVC has table and chairs, but does not have a refrigerator or microwave. We ask you bring food that does not need refrigeration or heating. If you like, you may also bring simple snacks. Toileting: If your child needs to use the bathroom, the FVC worker will take your child to the bathroom. You may accompany your child and the FVC worker. If your child is in diapers, please bring items needed for changing: diapers, wipes, disposal bags, ointment (if necessary). Before supervised visitation or exchanges with your family begins, the Family Visitation Center must complete the Intake process. This required before scheduling will occur. The Intake fee is $25.00 per parent. The fee is waived for a parent who has been given an Order of Protection. If you are interested in participating in the FVC or you have been court ordered to participate, please call the Visitation Center at 309-834-5273 and arrange an intake appointment. You may also call 309-834-5286, the direct line to the FVC Coordinator who completes all Intakes and scheduling. |
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Exchanges: Child exchanges occur when the residential parent and non-residential parent exchange the child for visitation. Because you are involved with the FVC, it is believed there is a safety concern when exchanges take place and it is in the best interest of all parties for parents not to have contact. Our exchange procedure will be explained to you and you will be asked to sign that you understand and will comply with the procedure.
Supervised Visitation: Supervised visitation occurs when there is a court order or a safety plan stating the visitation between the non-residential parent and the children must be supervised. A trained FVC worker will be in the room with you and your child(ren). They will be as unobtrusive as possible, while still maintaining a safe environment for the child(ren).