VISITING YOUR KIDS
The Importance of
Visiting your children is very important. It is one of the ways you can show you are committed to the process of getting your children back and that you are the best person to raise your children. In the beginning visits will be limited and supervised. Your caseworker will watch to see how you and your child relate to each other.
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As important as visits are, they can be hard for you and your child. Both of you are feeling the affect of being separated from each other, and your child may behave negatively because they don't know how to deal with their feelings about being away from you and living with other people. You can have successful child visits by preparing yourself for them.
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Watch the video to get a picture of how visits are used to make decisions about you as a parent and when your child can come home.
Visitation Types
Supervised Visits
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Usually 1 to 2 hours per week
Arranged by your caseworker
Someone is present to monitor the visit
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Unsupervised Visits
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Can be longer than supervised visits
Granted by court order
Arranged by caseworker
Parent must be making progress
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Overnight Visits
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Usually takes place over a weekend
Granted by court order
Arranged by caseworker
Parent has made great progress
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Visitation Tips
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Be on time for every visit. If you are going to be late or can't make it, call your caseworker and re-schedule.
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Be relaxed and calm, talk to someone about any anxious feelings you may have about upcoming visits.
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Have activities planned for you and your child to do together.
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Be prepared to answer your child's questions about why they can't come home or when they can come home.
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Keep in mind your child, especially young children, may have a hard time with visits. If this happens remember that you are the parent and your attitude and how you respond can make a big difference in turning things around.
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Be patient with yourself and your child. You are in a process and every visit counts. It helps you get and stay connected to your child .