Section 3680.44. Visiting and communication

The legal entity shall ensure that visiting and communication policies governing children receiving full-day services are developed in accordance with the following requirements:

(1) If the agency provides full-day services to a child referred by a county agency, it shall ensure compliance with the family service plan relating to child and family visiting and communication.

(2) If the agency provides full-day services to a child placed by other than a county agency or the child’s parents, the agency shall adhere to the following requirements:

(i) The agency shall provide opportunity for visits between the child and the parents as frequently as possible but no less than once every 2 weeks.

(ii) Visiting shall occur at a time and place convenient to the parties and in a location that permits natural interaction.

(iii) An exception to the visiting requirements is allowed if any of the following conditions exist:

(A) Visiting is clearly not in keeping with the placement goal, that is, adoption or independent living.

(B) Visiting is freely refused in writing by the parents.

(C) Visiting is limited or prohibited by court order.

(iv) The agency shall, within 24 hours of a child’s placement, provide the parents with:

(A) A telephone number that provides 24-hour access to the agency.

(B) A written statement regarding the opportunity for visits, as outlined in subparagraphs (i)—(iii).

(v) The agency shall, within 15 calendar days of accepting a child for placement, provide the parents with the following:

(A) The address of the physical location of the child.

(B) The name of the person or facility responsible for the child’s care, unless the release of the information threatens the health and well-being of the child or of the persons providing the care if the agency documents its basis for its refusal to disclose the information or release of the information is limited or prohibited by court order.

(vi) The agency shall, for children in placement on January 24, 1987 provide the parents of the children with the information required by subparagraphs (iv) and (v) by July 24, 1987.

(vii) Except in an emergency, the agency shall notify the parents and child prior to a change in the physical location of placement or the visiting arrangements. If the agency changes the physical location of the child, the agency shall, within 15 days of the change, provide the parents of the child in placement with the address of the physical location of the child and the name of the person or agency responsible for the child’s care, unless disclosure of the information is a threat to the health and well-being of the child or persons providing care to the child or is limited or prohibited by court order. The basis for the agency’s decision to refuse disclosure shall be documented in the case record.

The provisions of this § 3680.44 adopted January 23, 1987, effective April 24, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 392.

Notation

Authority

The provisions of this § 3680.44 issued under Articles II, VII, IX and X of the Public Welfare Code (62 P. S. § § 201—211, 701—774, 901—922 and 1001—1080).