HomeMy WebLinkAboutFAMILY ASSESSMENT COUNSELING AND EDUCATION SERVICES (FACES) (2)INSURANCE NOT RQUIRW
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FACES
Family Assessment Counseling & Education Services
2601 E. Chapman Avenue, Suite 114, Fullerton, CA 92831
Phone (714) 447-9024 FAX (714) 447-9022
www.facescal.org
Fiscal MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Between SANTA ANA POLICE DEPARTMENT and F.A.C.E.S
N-2017-231
F.A.C.E.S, is a provider of supervised visitation. California Rules of Court 5.20 et seq. defines
the standards of practice, including duties and obligations for providers of supervised visitation
under Family Code sections 3200 and 3200.5. The goal of the standards of practice is to assure
the safety and welfare of the child, adults, and providers of supervised visitation.
In accordance with, and under the mandatory guidelines set forth in CRC 5.20(8), F.A.C.E.S has
established a written protocol for emergency response for supervised visits. The written protocol
describes the emergency assistance and responses that can be expected from the local law
enforcement agency.
Santa Ana Police Department ("SAPD") understands that supervising services may occur
anytime from Monday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m, to 8:00 p.m. at the F.A.C.E.S. Santa Ana office
located at 1651 E. 4th Street, Suite 128, Santa Ana, California 92701. SAPD further understands
that monitors and therapists may call SAPD for emergency police assistance during supervised
visits or exchanges at the F.A.C.E.S. office. SAPD has been provided a copy of the written
protocol, will maintain a copy of the protocol at SAPD Headquarters, and in the event a request
for emergency assistance is made at F.A.C.E.S., will, depending on available resources, at the
discretion of the Chief of Police, and as practicable for the public safety and the safety of persons
involved, adhere to the written protocol established by F.A.C.E.S.
Signed,
See next
David Valentin Date
Acting Chief of Police, Santa Ana Police Department
&44.J�.
10/03/17
WilllYVTallace Date
Executive Director, F.A.C.E.S.
ATTEST:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
SONIA R. CARVALHO
City Atorney
By: _
TA ARA BO OSIAN
Assistant City Attorney
RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL:
�E TIN
Acting Chief of Police
CITY OF SANTA ANA
Raul Godinez 10
City Manager
N-2017-23�
Family Assessment Counseling & Education Services
1.015 E Chapman Avenue Suite A Fullerton, CA 92831
Phone: (714) 447,9024 Fax: (714) 447.9022
Website: www.facescal.org
F.A.C.E.S. Policies and Procedures
Supervised Visitations & Exchanges
Intake Assessment
The intake screening includes, a visitation/exchange risk assessment for domestic violence,
substance abuse, child abuse, determining language needs, the developmental level of the
children, the gathering of demographic statistics and review of client rights and responsibilities
including the fee schedule.
• Each parent is scheduled for an intake assessment and orientation before services are
provided. See Appendix A for Keeping Kids Safe Intake Form.
• F.A.C.E.S. staff will contact both parents for intake appointment.
• F.A.C.E.S. will not inform parent when the other parent is scheduled for intake.
Procedures
F.A.C.E.S. staff will contact custodial/visiting/exchange parent to schedule an intake.
When they arrive for the intake, he/she will complete the application and necessary
paperwork,
o The custodial parent to complete the entire intake packet; the non-custodial parent
to complete the packet through page seven.
The following materials are reviewed during intake:
o Intake application.
o Agreement for Services for custodial parent and non-custodial parent (Appendix
6).
o Designee and emergency forms (including hold harmless statements).
o Copies of driver's license or photo identification card.
o Recent photograph of children.
o Medical instruction form.
o Disclosure form.
o Telephone numbers and address.
o Additional statistical information, marital status, ethnic and socio-economic
background, etc.
• The following materials are obtained during intake:
o Copies of any protective order.
o Current court orders, including any judicial council form related to supervised
visitation orders.
o A report of any written records of allegations of domestic violence or abuse; and
o An account of the child's health needs if the child has a chronic health condition.
Clients are given the following:
• Business card.
• Family concern form.
• Guidelines for preparing children for visitation.
• Copy of client guidelines which are signed by both of the parties.
Intake checklist outlining paperwork, confidentiality, expectations and fees for service.
Orientation to the following program start up rules:
Punctuality.
• Termination of services/security procedures.
Designated entrances to the building.
Designated times of arrival/departure.
Parties are sent a confirmation call outlining the designated times of arrival and a
reminder of necessary program information.
Orientation
Purpose:
The practice of orientation, conducted individually with each member of the family, will occur at
F.A.C.E.S., separate from and prior to the first visit or exchange in order to:
• Establish a purposeful relationship of engaging with each parent and age appropriate
child.
• Exchange information with each parent and child(ren) so that F.A.C.E.S. can provide
meaningful and safe services to each individual, and each individual can best use the
services offered by F.A.C.E.S. This includes identifying and responding to the complex
needs of each person.
• Begin the process of undoing the harm to child(ren) and adult victims caused by the
violence and reducing the opportunity and inclination for batterers to cause further harm.
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Procedure:
A comprehensive orientation will be conducted with each parent and each age appropriate child
prior to commencing services. The custodial parent (CP) and child(ren) will have their orientation
on a separate day from the non-custodial parent (NCP). Information will be gathered about the
family's experience related to domestic violence and a determination made whether there are
safety or other concerns. If there are concerns, a plan will be created with the parent to address
those concerns, focusing on safety related to the visitation or exchange services, including traffic
to and from F.A.C.E.S and safety during a visit.
Domestic Violence Policy/ Procedures
In situations where the referral is made with a history or allegations of domestic violence,
F.A.U.S. will conduct orientation for the parents on separate days. Monitors are notified prior
to the first visit of a history or allegations of domestic violence. The NCP arrives 15 minutes
prior to the visit and is taken to the monitoring room. Once the CP arrives the monitor goes out
to the lobby to get the child. Once the visit ends the monitor brings the child to the waiting room
where the CP is waiting. The CP and child leave the premises while the NCP waits in the room
with the monitor. If the NCP is running late the monitor must notify the CP to not arrive until
they are notified telephonically. This will minimize the risk for contact and prevent further
incident of domestic violence. The parent's address and telephone number shall remain
confidential.
Child Abduction
Child Abduction occurs if a non-custodial parent or any other unauthorized person removes a
child from F.A.C.E.S. without permission and/or in violation of a court order. Abduction is
considered a critical incident and every preventive measure will be taken prior to all visits.
Purpose: The purpose for the child abduction policy is to have clear written procedures in place
in the event of child abduction and in order to expedite the safe return of the child.
Procedure:
In the event of an abduction incident, staff will immediately contact 911. The staff will
provide the following information to the 911 operator:
o Monitor's name and identify his/herself as "A Monitor for Court Ordered Supervised
Visitation at F.A.C.E.S.
o Briefly explain the circumstances and need for urgent assistance to recover the
child
o The full address and phone number for the F.A.C.E.S. office and monitor
o The name of the parent and any identifying information
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• The chain of command for notification after calling 911 will be as follows:
Acting Program Director: Favlola Chavez (209) 489-2966
Director of Clinical Services: Mary O'Connor (714) 206-3900
Executive Director: Willie Wallace (714) 718-5342
F.A.C.E.S. staff will telephone the custodial parent and advise of the incident.
When the police arrive, the monitor will provide them with the following:
o The notes taken during the current visit
o Intake worksheet (which Includes the following identifying information on the non-
custodial parent and the children)
■ Information for non-custodial parent:
❖ Name
v Date of birth
4- Physical description including race and any identifying
marks/scars/tattoos
❖ Home address and phone number
Driver's license and license plate number
Make, model, year and color of car
❖ Work address and work phone number
d• Primary language and second language if applicable
■ Information for each child:
Name
❖ Date of birth
•A Photograph
•:+ Height and weight
4+ Hair and eye color
•A Any identifying marks
•:• What the child is wearing
•S School the child attends
F.A.C.E.S. shall obtain the name and badge number of the police officer taking the report.
Police report shall be kept on file in the administrative office separate abduction file and
in the individual case file with a copy forwarded to the referral source.
+ F.A.C.E.S. has established a written protocol with the local police department which
describes the assistance and response F.A.C.E.S. can expect from the police including the
priority that police will accord the request for assistance from F.A.C.E.S.
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• F.A.C.E.S. will notify the court as soon as possible and no later than the following business
day of the abduction and how the incident was resolved.
• After emergency has been resolved F.A.C.E.S. staff, including Executive Director, Program
Director and the Director of Clinical Services will review and investigate the event to
determine if policies and procedures need to be modified. If modification is necessary
steps will be taken to make changes as soon as possible.
• In the event of child abduction, all supervised visitation services will be terminated for
that case and a memo will be sent to the referring courtroom.
Procedures:
Preventative measures:
F.A.C.E.S, program supervisor/monitor completes a thorough screening and orientation
for all parents, reviewing all policies and procedures, including child abduction. Risk
assessment includes, but not limited to:
o Reason for referral, including copy of the court order for visitation/exchange, any
order of protection and information about any special medical needs of children
shall be review by program supervisor/monitor.
o Parents will provide their driver license, car make and model, license plate and
pictures of the children. The agency will retain copies for file.
o Clients shall be scheduled for an intake assessment and program orientation prior
to receiving visitation or exchange services.
o Program supervisor/monitor meets prior to first visit to determine the level of
security needed for that specific case.
Supervised Visitation Report
Observation notes will be kept by program staff during each visit. Program staff will also keep a
record of all phone calls and other interaction, When requesting a supervised visitation report
the request must be made one (1) week prior to the court date. The Visitation Report or
Summary Exchange Report (Appendix C) will be provided to the court and all parties. If
requested or ordered by the court, or requested by any party or their attorneys or the attorney
for the child, a visitation or summary exchange report will be provided. If the visit is terminated
or program services are terminated all parties and the court will receive written notice which will
state the reason for the termination.
Safety and Security Procedures
Policy:
During the intake screening the custodial/visiting/exchange parent and the monitor will review
the service of agreement and inform the client of their rights and responsibilities including the
safety and security rules, By initialing the contract the parents agree that the terms have been
adequately explained to them and they understand them.
Procedures:
Parents will arrive and depart at the times specified. The arrival and departure times of
the other parent will be staggered by at least 15 minutes.
• Parents will park lin a designated area.
• Parents will enter through a designated area.
• Parents will arrive for visits alone. No additional persons will be waiting on the premises
or surrounding areas.
• After arriving, parents will visit or wait in a designated area until notified by staff. After
the visit is over, parents will not leave until instructed to do so by program staff and will
then leave immediately.
• Parents will not be under the influence of either illicit drugs or alcohol at the time of the
visit. If it appears a parent may be under the influence, the visit will be terminated or
will not occur.
• All parcels and bags will be checked as they come into the visitation area; any items for
the children must be unwrapped.
• Program staff will be present at all times during the visit.
Parents will not bring any weapons or any articles that could be used as weapons on the
premises.
• Parents will not be verbally aggressive (e.g. shouting, profanity, abusive language, etc.),
physically aggressive, or attempt to intimidate anyone.
• In the event of a medical emergency, the custodial parent will be notified. If it is
necessary for a child to receive emergency treatment, the child will be removed only
when accompanied by program staff.
• Any suspected child abuse will be reported to the Child Abuse Registry.
Confidentiality
During the intake screening the CP (or guardian), the NCP and the monitor will review the
Agreement for Services form, which the parents and monitor will sign, The clients will be
informed of their rights and responsibilities including the confidentiality of services. Upon
reviewing the contract, the parents will be asked to initial the contract acknowledging that they
understand the contract and the terms of the contract have been adequately explained to them.
Procedures:
During visit
• No privilege of confidentiality exists between the parent and the provider. This includes
any communication, whether written, observed or heard between program staff and
parent, parent and child, staff and child, or between parents.
• Information about the supervised visitation/exchange will be shared in writing when:
o Requested or ordered by the court or subpoenaed to produce and/or testify;
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o Requested by a court mediator, court investigator, or evaluator in conjunction with
a court-ordered mediation, investigation or evaluation;
o Required by Child Protective Services;
o Requested by a law enforcement agency;
o A report is requested by either party or their attorneys. It will be provided to all
parties,
• F.A.C.E.S. staff will keep any Identifying information such as address, place of work,
phone number, etc,, confidential. This information will not be included in any reports
except when ordered by the court, reporting child abuse or to police agencies in the event
of abduction.
• During visiting hours or program activities, parents may observe or have contact with
other families in this program. Parents will be advised to respect the privacy of others
and maintain confidentiality,
• All information requests regarding supervised visitation/exchange will be directed to the
Program Director. Release of Information will only occur as defined in this policy,
• Case files for Access clients are retained for three years upon completion of the
program.
Grievance/Complaint Form
If a parent has problems or concerns regarding F.A.C.E.S. services, they may discuss it with the
respective staff member and/or the Program Director. If unresolved, the parent may request a
Client Complaint Form (Appendix D) and fill it out as thoroughly as possible.
It is the program's responsibility to ensure a safe visit to all participants. F.A.C.E.S. strives to
provide services in a sensitive and thoughtful manner reflective of their concern for the well-
being of children and families. Should parents have questions or concerns regarding the service
they receive at any time, they have been encouraged to contact the Program Director.
Procedure:
• Parents are informed of the grievance process at the intake and given the Program
Director's name and extension,
• F.A.C.E.S. will review every complaint and follow up with clients.
Parents will be informed of the action taken on their complaints.
Qualifications and Training
All RAZE & supervised visitation monitors are trained and provide monitoring services
according to the Standards of Practice 5.20.
Procedures:
• All monitors must meet these qualifications:
o Be at least 21 years of age.
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o Have no convictions for driving under the influence within the last S years.
o Have not been on probation or parole for the last 10 years.
o Have no convictions for child molestation, child abuse or other crimes against a
person.
o Have had no civil, criminal, or juvenile restraining orders within the last 10 years.
o Have no current or past court order in which the provider is the person being
supervised during a visit.
o Will be able to speak the language of the party being supervised and of the child
or the provider will use a neutral interpreter over the age of 18.
o Have no conflict of interest as per the Standards of Practice listed below and will
decline to accept a case if a conflict does exist. Conflict of interest is defined as;
• Financially dependent on the person being supervised,
■ An employee of either parent.
■ In an intimate relationship with either parent.
• An employee of or affiliated with any Superior Court in the county in
which the supervision is ordered, unless specified in the employment
contract.
o They are to adhere to and enforce the court order regarding supervised
visitation.
o Have taken a minimum of 24 hours of training regarding supervised visitation,
which has been approved by the Superior Court of California, County of Orange.
o They are currently cleared by Trust Line.
o They agree to be free of alcohol or illegal drugs while supervising visits or
prescription drugs that may negatively affect their ability to perform their duties.
o They agree to comply with Standards of Practice for Professional Providers of
Supervised Visitation published by the Superior Court of California, County of
Orange and any other requirements of the court regarding visitation services.
• All monitors must complete a training that includes:
o The role of the professional provider.
o Child abuse reporting laws.
o Record keeping procedures.
o Screening, monitoring and termination of visitation.
o Developmental needs of children.
o Legal responsibilities and obligations of a provider.
o Cultural sensitivity.
o Conflicts of Interest.
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o Confidentiality,
o Issues relating to substance abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse, and domestic
violence.
o Basic knowledge of family and juvenile law,
Conflict of Interest
Purpose:
To establish conduct of behavior between the monitor and all parties to ensure conflict of interest
does not exist.
To ensure no conflict of interest, all F.A.C.E.S. staff must decline to accept a case if a conflict
does exist, All staff is expected to maintain neutrality by refusing to discuss the merits of the
case or agree with or support one party over another. Any discussion between a provider and
the parties should be for the purposes of arranging visitation and providing for the safety of the
children. Parties are notified of the conflict of interest policy in writing at the time of intake. In
situations where conflict of interest cannot be resolved by reassignment of the case monitor,
the referring party will be notified and F.A.C.E.S. will close the case.
Procedure:
All staff members will decline the case and indicate the reason or reasons, in writing, to the
Program Director, Faviola Chavez, if any of the following exist:
• Financially dependent on the person being supervised.
• An employee of either parent.
• In an intimate relationship with either parent.
• An employee of or affiliated with any Superior Court in the county in which the supervision
is ordered, unless specified in the employment contract.
In addition to the above, the monitor must not:
• Accept any personal services from parents.
• Accept any gifts or donations.
• Engage in social activities with parents except for structured activities planned by
F.A.C,E,S. to celebrate major holidays.
Law Enforcement Protocol:
To assure assistance from local law enforcement in the event of emergency.
Procedure:
• Agency staff will immediately phone 911 and report any emergency.
• Agency will have information available for law enforcement upon arrival.
• Agency will obtain name and badge number of officer taking report.
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Yearly renewal of the MOU with local law enforcement (Appendix E).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between F.A.C.E.S. and Santa Ana Police
Department and F.A.C.E.S. and Orange County Sheriff's Department, Laguna Hills Police
Services, provides these police departments will provide emergency services at their discretion
according to available resources. The MOU between F.A.C.E.S. and Fullerton Police Department
provides Fullerton P.D. will respond to emergencies for the safety of parents and children.
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