Release to Non-Custodial Parent or Other Unauthorized Person

If a non-custodial parent arrives at the door to try to pick his/her child up, an administrator or other full-time staff member should try calling the custodial parent before allowing the non-custodial parent access to the building. If the non-custodial parent does not have permission from the custodial parent, DPS should be contacted immediately.

If any person who is not listed by the parent as authorized to pick up the child states that he or she is the parent or legal guardian of a child or otherwise has the legal right to see or pick up a child, proceed as follows:

1. Notify the child’s parent or other authorized person first to check about the person’s permission to pick the child up before allowing the person access to the Center.
2. If the non-custodial parent or other unauthorized person does not have the parent’s permission, DPS should be contacted immediately (7-4343).
3. Notify the Director, senior staff person, or other staff person as soon as possible.
4. Check the child’s file. Follow instructions on any court order included in the file. If the child’s file does not contain such a court order, advise the unauthorized person that he/she is not listed as a parent or legal guardian of the child and that the Center cannot release the child without reliable evidence of custody such as a certified copy of the Court order granting custody and a photographic identification showing that he/she is the person mentioned in the order.
5. If the person produces such evidence and identification, attempt to get the parent or other authorized person to resolve the situation by picking up the child him/herself. 

Parents have been advised that in the rare circumstance where the safety of the staff and/or children is threatened by an unauthorized person determined to remove a child from the center, the child may be released to that person. If this happens, GU DPS (or DC Police) and parents will be called immediately.