BEGINNING THE PROCESS:
INTAKE INTERVIEWS: CVP's services are not necessarily suitable for all families. Families must qualify on the basis of income. Additionally, CVP meets with each family member and reviews all relevant information before accepting a family into the program. As a result, both parents are required to go through the intake process, which includes a personal interview with a member of the CVP's staff. The purpose of the interview is to obtain the necessary information and to assess the needs of each particular family in conjunction with the services available through CVP. These interviews usually last one-hour but are more extensive when necessary. It is the responsibility of both parents to call, set-up and complete an intake. Intakes are scheduled by CVP and each parent has an independent intake.
HOUR OF OPERATION: CVP Denver location is generally available for visits Tuesday thorough Sunday. Sunday parenting times are only available at the Brighton location. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays hours are noon am to 8:00 pm. Friday's hours are 9 am to 3:00 pm. Saturday's hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in Denver and Brighton. Sundays at the Brighton location are noon - 5 pm. Hours are subject to change. Please check with the office about hours.
SCHEDULING VISITS: Once a family is accepted into the program, CVP assigns the family to a volunteer supervisor. CVP's ability to find a time for supervised parenting time is dependant on the flexibility of both parents to give CVP at least 2 different days and times for the parenting time, and CVP's current availability to start new families due to current schedule. CVP almost always has a wait list for new families. It could take from 2 to 6 weeks from the time CVP has a complete file with both parent's completed intakes, and a copy of the court order, to secure a place. To the extent possible, CVP assigns the same supervisor for each visit to give the family a sense of continuity.
A visitation schedule is also established. CVP will offer a set day and time for parenting time. Once a day and time are agreed upon by both parties, this will be their regular meeting time and it will not change unless ended by the court, one or both of the parties, or for an infraction of CVP rules visits. Schedules may vary based on the needs of the family, availability of staff, and the provisions of a court order, if one is in effect. The schedule will cover dates and duration of visits, drop-off and pick-up times, and the procedure for changing or modifying the schedule.
Both parents are expected to comply with the schedule. Parents must notify CVP in advance of delays or cancellations, and CVP may terminate services for excessive delays or cancellations by either parent. Parents are charged for canceled visits.
FEES: Families are charged a $15.00 fee for each 1-hour parenting time, and $15.00 for a supervised exchange. CVP does have a sliding scale for families who do not qualify for this low fee. Unless a court orders otherwise, the non-residential parent is generally responsible for payment of the fee. Payment is due at the beginning of each visit. If a parent is unable to afford the fee, the director of CVP may, at her discretion, make alternate arrangements for payment. If a visit is canceled the party, which canceled the visit, is responsible for paying the cancellation fee. This fee is the normal visitation fee if the visit is canceled at least 24 hours in advance or doubles the fee if canceled less than 24 hours in advance of visit. CVP accepts cash, money orders, or personal checks for payment. There is a returned check fee of $25.00 plus bank fees. Check fees need to be paid immediately. If a parent had more than one returned check then all further payment will be in cash or money orders.
INTERACTION WITH THE LEGAL SYSTEM:
Families utilizing CVP's services are most often involved in a divorce or other legal procedures. As a result, there is often an order from the court regarding custody and visitation of the child (children). CVP will make every attempt to follow the court?s order as closely as possible. However, where it is not possible, CVP will notify the parents and their attorneys or the court, and will suggest alternative solutions.
CVP also tries to work with the parents' attorneys and the court to ensure cooperation with the program. When a parent fails to cooperate, CVP notifies that parent's attorney and/or the court. In such instances, it is often helpful for the child (children) to be represented by a Guardian-ad-Litem, who can best represent the child (children)'s interest when non-cooperation begins to disrupt the visitation schedule. Because of this we recommend that parents seek the appointment of a Guardian-ad-Litem on behalf of their child or children.
ENDING THE PROCESS:
CVP's services are meant to be temporary in nature. Although there is no limit on the length of time in which a family may participate in the program, families are encouraged to work toward unsupervised visits. When a family ceases to participate in the program, CVP notifies the parents and the attorneys.
Unless the family resumes participation, or notifies CVP of an intention to do so, that family's file is closed. If the family decides to come back at a later date, no priority is given and they may be placed on a waiting list.
Under certain circumstances, CVP may terminate services. CVP requires that all parents cooperate in making the visits work, and CVP will assist in attaining that goal; however, if CVP finds that a parent is not cooperating, services may be terminated. Likewise, if a parent violates the rules, such as behaving violently or inappropriately toward the child (children) or the other parent, or if a parent mistreats a volunteer supervisor, CVP grants the volunteer supervisor discretion to immediately terminate that parenting time. CVP's main goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the child (children). Therefore, when a volunteer supervisor determines that the visits are threatening or otherwise damaging to the child, CVP may terminate its services. The Executive Director makes all decisions about termination from the CVP program. CVP then notifies the parents and the attorneys of its decision. Parent complaints are referred first to the Executive Director and if unresolved or the complaint involves the Executive Director, information is passed to the President of the Board of Directors for review and resolution. Parents may call, speak directly, without children being present, to the Executive Director or place their concern in writing to the ED. If the complainant involves the Executive Director, parents may send a letter explaining their compliant or grievance to President of the Board, 1660 Sherman St, Denver, CO 80203. Parents may also email the Board of Directors at CVPBoard@qwestoffice.net
