Policies and Procedures

Family Visiting Policy, 17-OCFS-ADM-14

I. Purpose

The purpose of this Policy and Procedure is for the Schuyler County Department of Social Services to establish a written Family Visiting Policy for children in foster care.

II. Background

On October 5, 2017 New York State Office of Children & Family Services issued Administrative Directive 17-OCFS-ADM-14 which instructed all Districts to establish written Family Visiting Policies for children in foster care effective January 1, 2018.

III. Program Implications

Potential for additional costs associated with:

• Recruitment & retention of foster parents

• Transportation (gas vouchers, mileage reimbursements)

• Staff time

• Contractual expenses

IV. Contacts

Deputy Commissioner Wasicki

323 Owego Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865

(607) 535-8303

Michele.Wasicki@dfa.state.ny.us

Issued By:

Name: JoAnn S. Fratarcangelo

Title: Commissioner of Social Services

Division/Office: Schuyler County

Schuyler County’s Parent & Family Visiting Policy

All parenting time (visitation) will adhere to Court ordered parameters and will be consistent with the safety and best interests of the child(ren).

• Per 17-OCFS-ADM-14 Schuyler County DSS will make efforts to facilitate an initial parent-child contact as soon as practically and logistically possible following the child(ren)’s entry into care.

• Per OCFS regulation 18 NYCRR 430.12(d)(1) Schuyler County DSS will make efforts to facilitate at least bi-weekly parenting time(visitation) between the child(ren) placed in care and the parent or caretaker to whom the child(ren) is to be discharged, unless prohibited by Court Order, voluntary placement agreement, or because the appropriateness of the placement makes bi-weekly parenting time(visitation) an impossibility. When appropriate phone, and e-mail contact as well as Skype/FaceTime will be encouraged throughout the child(ren)’s stay in care.

• Per 17-OCFS-ADM-14 Schuyler County DSS will make efforts to facilitate Parenting time (visitation) with the least restrictive level of supervision needed and within the most natural setting. Schuyler County recognizes that every family situation is different and that the visitation setting and level of supervision needed will vary. As such the setting for parenting time (visitation) and the level of supervision required will be determined on a case by case basis.

• Per 17-OCFS-ADM-14 Schuyler County DSS will make efforts to facilitate regular bi-weekly visitation or communication between minor siblings or half-siblings who have been placed apart, unless such contact would be contrary to the health, safety, or welfare of one or more of the children, or unless geographic distance precludes visitation.

• Per 17-OCFS-ADM-14 Schuyler County DSS will develop family visiting plans for all children in foster care.

• Per 17-OCFS-ADM-14 Schuyler County DSS will provide this policy to the parents/caretakers, foster parents, attorneys for the child(ren), and attorneys for the parent, for all children in foster care.