If you live in Alexandria, VA, have a child in the City’s after school programs run by the Department of Recreation, and assume you will be called in the event of an emergency – don’t hold your breath. According to Leslie Clark, a Department Division Chief, the Department’s “policy” regarding parental notification is to guarantee that at least one person on a child’s emergency contact form will be called. In most cases, one would assume such a policy is reasonable. But, in cases where child custody is an issue, it becomes entirely different matter.

In Virginia, unless a Court order has been issued to the contrary, the non-custodial parent of a child enrolled in a public school or day care center has the right to be listed as an emergency contact if they so request. Alexandria’s Department of Recreation acknowledges this right. But, the Department refuses to guarantee notification to the non-custodial parent in the event of an emergency. In the words of an Assistant City Attorney; “Contrary to your request, the [Recreation] Department will not obligate itself to contact you every time it calls [your wife] in the event of an emergency.” There goes the rule of law when it comes to complying with Virginia State Code (§ 22.1-4.3, “Participation by and notification of noncustodial parent.”)

Child custody disputes can be difficult and emotionally charged. When a custodial parent refuses to cooperate on an issue as important as notification in the event of an emergency the non-custodial parent ought to be able to rely on the City department who is caring for their child to obey the law. But, that is not the case in Alexandria. It marches to a different drummer.

To make matters worse, the Recreation Department’s “policy” is only a “practice”. According to the same Assistant City Attorney; “…it is my understanding that the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities has no written policy regarding contacting emergency contacts in its after school activities.” So, there you have it! To Hell with the law! Further, there is no written policy, as such, don’t expect a call if there is an emergency. Is this the type of family friendly “policy” one should expect from a tax-payer funded city Department?

It is amazing that Kirk Kincannon, Director of the Recreation Department, can manage his city agency at all when his mid-level bureaucrats are making so called “policy” decisions arbitrarily and on the fly.

And, with all of the city’s obstinate efforts to avoid a simple commitment to obey the law and to inform non-custodial parents – who’s considering the needs of the child if emergency strikes?

I need to send you something.

I did put up a very badly edited post real quick today that you might find interesting. I am going to try and get to the editing in the morning. I just wanted to put it up and only had about about a 10 minute break.

I did get to check CC’s site quickly, love it cats too. I did check out the site you gave me and it was a good one too.

I’ve also been a pirate junky for years. I love to see the old ones. I used to think that when I grew up I wanted to be one, actually still do. I miss my time zones some where. I had a crush on Gilbert Rowland and Flynn for years, I wanted to be like Yvonne DeCarlo and Jane Russell for years. Even if I could just have a ship like theirs. There was another one too but can’t remember his name. He always played Queen Elizabeth’s not known about boyfriend.

Well keep on sailing and grab all the gold and booty you can.

Have a great day.

Great site !
Got the link from The Conservative Cat.

You might like this conservative blogsite:

“Blonde Sagacity”
http://mobyrebuttal.blogspot.com/

I like Star Wars but I’m more of a Star Trek and Bablyon 5 person. I have my ticket already for when they come so I don’t have to wait in line. I just won’t go with the Frengi’s. I’m kind of holding out for the Vulcans. More intellengent and have a better run society.

So you must have seen a lot more than me. Let me know if you do a bio. Would love to read it.

Have a great day.

So a Star Wars fan eh?

Also a defender for Karl Rove?

I must ask…

Did you support the Galactic Empire over the Rebel Alliance in the Triliogy?

…just a thought.