PARENTING CLASSES
Learning Therapeutic Play
Supervised visits can be uncomfortable. Toward the goal of making the visits more comfortable and helping the visiting parent be better equipped, they must take four parenting classes before a visit can be scheduled. The classes for the visiting parent are free and are available either Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. or Thursdays at 5:15 p.m.
"Mommy & Me"
A class for Mom and her child will be offered. Therapeutic play skills will be used while doing craft projects together. there will be no charge for the moms who are participating in the supervised visitation program.
IF A CHILD REFUSES TO VISIT
If a child arrives at the Visitation Center and is saying that he/she does not want to visit the non-custodial parent, the visitation staff will:
- Take the child aside to speak with them.
- Ask if they would like a shortened visit.
- Ask if they just want to say hello to the parent.
- Ask if they would like to write a letter or draw a picture for their parent.
If the child still declines all contact, the Center will log the child's response.
At no time will the Center ever make or pressure a child to visit with a non-custodial parent when the child refuses.
HELPFUL HINTS TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR VISITATION
Help the child understand that he/she has done nothing wrong and that it is not his/her fault that the supervised visitation must occur.
Assist your child in becoming acquainted with the surroundings at the Visitation Center so that he/she is comfortable with the setting before the first visit.
Let your child know that the staff at the Visitation Center is there to help them when they need assistance.
Make an effort to maintain a positive outlook about the visitation yourself. Children are very impressionable and they can sense how their parents are feeling.
Emotions are contagious and what you are feeling will be "caught" by your child. If they feel you are comfortable with their visit, they may be able to be more positive about the visitation themselves.
Using an age-appropriate method, explain to your child the purpose of the supervised visitation and the safety arrangements. That way, the child can feel informed and feel as though they have some control in the situation.
Non-Custodial Parent
Assist your child to be comfortable during the visitation or exchange by not pressuring the child with questioning, comments about the other parent, discussing adult issues, or trying to force the child to be affectionate.
