Parenting Plan Guidelines
Parenting Plan Guidelines & Child Safety Concerns
Communicate with Each Other
Unless there are restraining orders that keep parents from communicating, parents should discuss their concerns about their child’s safety and how they are working to reduce the risk of the children being harmed. In general, a parent cannot deny the other parent their parenting time based on a subjective belief that the other parent is not protecting the children well enough.
Do Not Deny the Other Parent Their Parenting Time
Parents are considered fit to care for their children and make the day-to-day parenting decisions, unless a court has decided differently. Day-to-day care includes following health and safety regulations, providing adequate clothing, food and shelter, and attending to the child’s needs.
Options When One Parent Does Not Follow the Court Orders
If you need to change the existing parenting plan because you and the other parent cannot agree on needed changes, the Family Court offers hearings and child custody mediation in person or by telephone or video. If you have evidence that there is an immediate threat to a child's health or safety, you may ask the court for emergency orders.
Our first responders (Sheriff, police, fire, EMTs) are providing support for serious threats of harm and safety and must be available for true emergencies. So please do not call first responders regarding enforcement of child custody orders unless an immediate and significant safety issue is present.
IF YOUR CHILDREN ARE IN DANGER OF BEING ABUSED, NEGLECTED, OR EXPOSED TO VIOLENCE, YOU HAVE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO HELP
Law Enforcement and/or Child Protective Services:
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT:
If a child is in immediate danger or you believe a crime has been committed CALL 911 immediately.
- If you live within city limits, call your city Police Department.
- Monterey County Sheriff’s Office:
Salinas (831) 755-5111 Monterey (831) 647-7911 King City (831) 385-8311
CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES:
- Monterey County CPS: 24-hour hotline (800) 606-6618 or (831) 755-4611
Restraining Orders to Protect Children:
YWCA OF MONTEREY COUNTY:
Telephone: Main: (831) 422-8602 Crisis Line (24/7): (831) 372-6300 or (831) 757-1001
Email: info@ywcamc.org Address: 11 Quail Run Circle, Salinas, CA 93901
SELF-HELP CENTER OF MONTEREY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT:
Telephone/Email: (831) 647-5800 ext. 3005 and SelfHelpCenter@monterey.courts.ca.gov
In-Person:
- Monterey Courthouse: 1200 Aguajito Rd. Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Salinas Courthouse: 118 West Gabilan St. Hours: Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday: By appointment only
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thursday: CLOSED
Friday: By appointment only
- King City Courthouse: 250 Franciscan Way Hours: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Additional Resources:
- Contact Monterey County Superior Court Family Court Services (Child Custody Mediation):
- Telephone/Email: (831) 647-5891 and FCS@monterey.courts.ca.gov
- Address: 1200 Aguajito Road, 3rd Floor, Room 303, Monterey, CA 93940
- Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Mediation services are available to help create or change a parenting plan. The neutral professional assigned to your case can also discuss any concerns regarding your children and help you with appropriate referrals. Please note that these professionals are mandated reporters of child abuse/neglect and may be required to inform CPS of the alleged abuse/neglect.
- Speak to an Attorney: Monterey County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (831) 582-5400.
- Contact Monterey County Family & Children’s Services: www.f2fmc.org/resources/community-resources/
- Get court forms: California Self-Help Website: www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp