SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

FOR BENTON AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES

7122 West Okanogan Place. Building A, Kennewick, WA 99336

COURT ADMINISTRATOR BENTON COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER

Patricia Austin FRANKLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE

TELEPHONE (509) 736-3071

FAX (509) 736-3057

Expectations for Supervised Visitations

Protocols for Supervisors

At all times the Visitation Supervisor will keep the child(ren) and visiting parent within vision and hearing distance. In addition:

  1. The Visitation Supervisor will allow only the exchange of the child and items for the child. Neither the exchange at the visit site, nor the child will be used to pass messages, exchange items, make child support payments or serve papers to the other parent.
  1. Gifts may be given to the child with restrictions. The Visitation Supervisor has the right to inspect all gifts prior to presentation to the child. A gift is deemed as anything that the child can take with them at the end of the visit. Nothing may be given to the child at anytime with the understanding that it is theirs “when they go home” with the visiting parent or to keep at the visiting parents home. If a gift is given, the child will take the gift with them. Money may not be given to the child at any time.
  1. Parents are expected to take care of and be responsible for their children during visits and exchanges. Parents are expected to set limits and discipline appropriately when needed without the use of physical discipline. Children should not be allowed to harm other people or property, or to engage in other inappropriate behavior.
  1. During the supervised visitation, the parent is expected to interact with their child in a positive and supportive manner. Any communication or behavior that is emotionally or physically threatening to the child will not be allowed. Interrogation of the child will not be allowed. Interpretation of what constitutes interrogation is left to the Visitation Supervisor, but would include using the child to gather information and/or leading the conversation in such a manner that encourages the child to reveal information. Conversations should be natural and directed by the child’s interest, rather than the adults.
  1. Threats of physical violence will not be tolerated during exchanges and visitations. All parents must conduct themselves in a manner that clearly demonstrates that the well being of the child is the highest priority.
  1. Derogatory comments, or comments that paint the other parent in a negative light, directed at the child or the other parent will not be allowed.
  1. Discussion of the litigation, the current legal situation, and the Court with the children or other adults present will not be allowed. This includes any discussions of potential future issues that are not currently authorized by the Court, such as: “when you get to visit me at home,” or “when you get to see other family members or friends, “ or “when this is all over….,”
  1. Profanity will not be allowed.
  1. The Visitation Supervisor has the right to determine appropriate and inappropriate behaviors and conversations with the child. Parents are to comply with the limits set by the staff without complaint or further explanation during the visit.
  1. Parents are not allowed to place their hands on the children in any way the Visitation Supervisor deems inappropriate. Unless limited by the Court, parties may have appropriate contact with the child. Visiting parents will not be allowed to touch children on their genitals or buttocks unless they are changing an infant. The parents are to ensure the children are not exposing their genitalia or undergarments during the visitation. If the parent encourages the children to assume a position that reveals their genitals or undergarments, the visits will be terminated.
  1. The Visitation Supervisor will observe and record objectively the behaviors and interactions between the adults and child. The Visitation Supervisor may interact when necessary at their own discretion. The visiting parent should not initiate involvement of the Visitation Supervisor in conversations or activities. Do not ask personal questions of the Visitation Supervisor.
  1. There is no smoking, illegal substances, or alcohol used during the visits. Any parent who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted to visit or take the child.
  1. The Visitation Supervisor has the right to decide to cease or terminate the visit:
  • If the way contact is proceeding is, in the view of the Supervisor, too stressful or traumatic for the child
  • If the Visitation Supervisor determines that they cannot effectively address the safety of themselves and others.
  • If one or both of the parents have failed to comply with the rules.

Expectations for Supervised Visitations.doc updated 2/12/14

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

IN AND FOR BENTON AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES

______)Case No. ______

)

)

Petitioner ) GUIDELINES FOR

vs.) SUPERVISED VISITATIONS

)

______)

Respondent)

______)

I certify that I have read and agree to abide by all the Expectations for Supervised Visitations Protocols and Supervisors. Should I be unable to abide by the guidelines I will immediately inform the court.

Visitation Supervisor Name: ______

Signature: ______

Date: ______

Please sign and return this page to:

Benton County Superior Court Clerk

7122 W Okanogan Place

Building A

Kennewick WA 99336

Provide a copy to Benton Family Court Investigator

Expectations for Supervised Visitations.doc updated 2/12/14