Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Visitation Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lawmakers press DHS to investigate reports of infant 'Zoom' visitation
Summary
Senator Clark told the committee he was told virtual visitation was used with infants up through termination; Director Misha Martin said DCFS allowed virtual visits early in the pandemic but expected in-person visits after June 2020 unless safety or court orders required otherwise and will investigate scope of reported practice.
Sen. Clark told the committee he learned that Zoom visitation had been used "with infants" up through termination of parental rights and called that practice "absurd" for bonding and reunification.
Director Misha Martin said the department allowed and counted virtual visits early in the pandemic under federal guidance but instructed staff to return to in-person contact as of June 2020 unless there were documented safety reasons (for example, COVID exposure or court orders) that made virtual visits appropriate. Martin said DCFS put protocols in place, provided PPE for in-person visits and will investigate the extent to which virtual visits with infants occurred.
Sen. Clark said the issue was 'huge' if widespread and that the committee should receive answers; Martin agreed to investigate and provide follow-up information and noted staff must always follow court orders.
The transcript shows the concern was raised as a committee question and that the director has not yet provided a numerical account of how many infant visits were virtual; members asked for follow-up at upcoming committee or judiciary meetings.
