Domestic Violence Policy
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We place emphasis on a safe, healthy, and caring environment created by a team of childcare professionals who are knowledgeable in the development of young children. Parents share this priority and join us with the understanding that the following policy is designed to enable us to maintain the appropriate atmosphere in which to care for your children.
Restraining Orders
In order to maintain the safety and well being of the children in our care, we will assist in the enforcement of a court order which directs an authorized person, even a parent, to stay away from adults, children, or locations named in the order.
If a child is not supposed to be released to a previously authorized person, including a parent, we must have a copy of the court order or restraining order in our records. In general, these records will not be discussed with other families in the program without the consent of the parent involved. However, all staff will be notified of the situation so that we can better support the parent who has received court protections.
Whenever there appears to be a conflict between court papers in our records, regarding the release of a child, we will call the police department for assistance.
Please remember, we can only assist with the enforcement of orders we have on file.
Filing 51A Reports with D.S.S.
Childcare providers are mandated under state law to notify the Department of Social Services when we suspect that a child is being abused or neglected. Sometimes, the presence of domestic violence in the child's home places the child at risk of physical injuries, neglect, or emotional abuse. Although this is not always the case, when it is, the childcare provider must file a report with D.S.S. When appropriate, we will work with the D.S.S. Domestic Violence Unit to determine how best to proceed.
In most cases, once we determine that our mandate to report exists, we will attempt to advise at least one of the parents or guardians, usually the custodial parent.
UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS PICKING UP CHILDREN
Whenever a person is not authorized to pick up a child (this includes those whose status changes because of a restraining order), the child will not be released to this person. The adult will be asked to leave. If he or she refuses, we may be compelled to call for police assistance.
Little Feet Daycare requires that families provide a copy of ANY court orders regarding custody or visitation.
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