Whether the child has been removed by an order of the court, or has been voluntarily placed in foster care by the birth parents, the parents will likely continue to command a role in the child’s life. Unless permanent separation has taken place, voluntarily by the birth parents or by termination of parental rights, it is imperative that the child and his birth parents be allowed regularly planned, monthly visitation, unless ordered more frequently by the court. There is a high correlation between the number of visits between a child and his parents and the successful return of the child to his parents. 

Monthly visitation with parents is generally ordered by juvenile court. In some instances, the judge may see fit to order more frequent visitations. In either case, foster parents play a major role in seeing that children experience successful visits with birth relatives by preparing them for the visit before hand and following up with them afterwards. It is important that foster parents work along with the child’s Case Manager in making visits as easy and natural as possible. 

The Case Manager usually assumes the primary role in scheduling and coordinating visits based on the case plan developed by the agency and the child’s birth parents. A great deal of consideration is given to all persons involved, particularly the foster parents who will be assisting the Case Manager in getting the child to and from visits. This procedure may vary from case to case, however. Depending upon the circumstance, you may be given permission to arrange the child’s visits with significant others. In either case, it is important that the Case Manager is involved in the planning.

Parent and child visitations usually take place at the DFCS office or some other neutral location and may be supervised or unsupervised. In some instances, foster parents may agree to have the child visit with the parent in their home. This depends largely upon the relationship you have established with the child’s birth parents. Again, the Case Manager should be involved in the planning of such visits. 

Children have a right to visit with their parents and siblings as long as it is determined to be in their best interest. It is wise to remember that a child’s birth parents are his own. He cannot, in most instances, forget them entirely. Even if they will never make a home for him, a child’s parents are important to him. Your greatest service to a child would be to encourage and support his faith in his birth parents. This approach forms a healthy basis for future relationships, including the child’s relationship with you. 

The child should be made to feel that it is acceptable to talk about his birth parents following visitations, or at any other time for that matter. If talk is negative, it is not necessary to agree or disagree. Focus on the child’s feelings and provide feedback by helping the child isolate or identify his feelings and providing validation. You may contact the Case Manager if what the child is saying about the parent or his display of emotions give rise to concerns. 

(See the lists of rights for the child and the rights and responsibilities of the birth parent, the foster parent and the agency for additional pointers surrounding visitation.)

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