As part of the Social Investigation process, a home visit will be conducted at each parent's residence. The purpose of the home visit is to observe the child's living environment, assess the suitability and safety of the residence, and observe natural interactions between the child and members of the household.

The home visit is not intended to evaluate the size, value, or appearance of the residence. Rather, the focus is on safety, appropriateness, family relationships, routines, and the child's adjustment within the home.

Please review the following expectations carefully.

Please ensure that all residents of the home are going to be present when scheduling the home visit.

The goal of the home visit is to observe the child's normal living environment. The presence of additional individuals may interfere with the investigator's ability to accurately assess household functioning.

Any exception should be discussed with the investigator in advance.

PARENT-CHILD INTERACTION IS EXPECTED

A significant portion of the home visit involves observing interactions between the parent and child.

Parents should plan an age-appropriate activity that allows for meaningful interaction and communication.

Examples may include:

Younger Children

• Reading together

• Board games

• Arts and crafts

• Building activities

• Outdoor play

• Cooking or baking

School-Age Children

• Board games

• Homework activities

• Shared hobbies

• Cooking together

• Outdoor activities
  

Teenagers

• Preparing a meal

• Discussing interests

• Shared hobbies

• Family activities

• Planning future activities

The specific activity is less important than the opportunity to observe natural interaction, communication, responsiveness, guidance, affection, and engagement.

INVESTIGATOR OBSERVATION

During portions of the home visit, the investigator may intentionally remain in the background or limit interaction with household members in order to observe the parent and child engaging naturally with one another. The investigator may take notes while observing family interactions.

The amount of conversation between the investigator and participants may vary depending upon the purpose of the visit, the age of the child, the activity being observed, and the needs of the investigation. Limited conversation during the observational portion of the visit should not be interpreted as a lack of interest, engagement, or communication.

The investigator is evaluating relationships and family functioning rather than entertainment preferences.

NATURAL INTERACTION IS ENCOURAGED

Parents should behave as naturally as possible during the home visit.

The investigator is not seeking perfection and understands that family life includes normal disagreements, distractions, and imperfections.

Parents should not attempt to create an unrealistic presentation of the household or alter normal routines solely for the purpose of the visit.

The goal is to observe the family's typical functioning.

The investigator recognizes that homes may appear more organized than usual before a scheduled visit. While reasonable preparation is expected, participants should not alter household composition, temporarily remove household members, pets, or items, or otherwise create a misleading presentation of the home environment.

CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BE COACHED

Children should not be informed of specific questions that may be asked during the home visit.

Children should not be instructed regarding:

• What to say

• What not to say

• Which opinions to express

• How to answer questions

• What topics may be discussed

Children should be permitted to answer questions freely and honestly.

PRIVATE CHILD INTERVIEWS

Depending upon the age and developmental level of the child, the investigator may request an opportunity to speak privately with the child.

Parents should not attempt to monitor, influence, or direct these conversations.

Parents should also refrain from questioning the child after the interview regarding what was discussed.

DISCUSSION OF LITIGATION

The primary purpose of the home visit is to observe family interactions rather than discuss the litigation.

To avoid exposing children to adult legal matters, discussions regarding the court case, allegations, recommendations, attorneys, pleadings, or disputed issues generally will not occur in the presence of the child(ren). When appropriate, those discussions may occur before or after the observational portion of the home visit or during a separate interview.

The investigator assesses safety, suitability, and functionality rather than cleanliness or appearance.

The investigator may document safety concerns observed during the visit.

RECORDINGS
The home visit should not be audio recorded or video recorded.

If security cameras are present, please advise the investigator before the visit begins.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I have reviewed these Home Visit Instructions and Expectations and understand the purpose and procedures associated with the Social Investigation home visit.