Roles & Guidelines

What is Supervised Visitation?

Supervised Visitation refers to contact between a non-custodial parent and one or more children in the presence of a third person responsible for observing and seeking to ensure the safety of those involved. "Monitored Visitation", "Supervised Child Access", and "Supervised Child Contact" are other terms with the same meaning.

What Is A Professional Supervised Visitation Monitor?

A trained, neutral third-person paid to supervise the contact between a visiting parent and their child(ren). Visitation Monitors ensure the safety and security of the child-parent interactions while documenting what is seen and heard during the visit.

Where do the Supervised Visits take place?

Most supervised visitations happen at offsite locations like the park, the mall, a restaurant, sports games, festivals, the movies, the museum and many other locations. All locations must be in an populated public place and all parties must agree. Some Supervised visitations may take place in a more private setting like overnight or home visits but security measures like having a second monitor present will be in place.

What is the purpose of Supervised Visitation?

Supervised Visits are designed to assure that a child can have safe contact with an absent parent without having to be put in the middle of the parents' conflicts or other problems. It is the child's need that is paramount in making any decisions regarding the need for such supervision. However, there are also some significant benefits to parents. It is our hope that no one will look upon supervised visitation or exchange as a negative or stigmatized service. It is a tool that can help families as they go through difficult and/or transitional times. Some of the benefits for the various family members are as follows:

Roles

Child: 

It allows the child(ren) to maintain a relationship with both parents, something that is generally found to be an important factor in the positive adjustment to family dissolution. Allowing anticipation of visits without stress or worrying about what will take place and to enjoy them in a safe, comfortable environment without having to be placed in the middle of their parents' conflict and/or other problems.

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Custodial Parent: 

You do not have to communicate or have contact with the non-custodial party. Any and all arrangements are made by a neutral party (the visit supervisor). You can relax and feel comfortable allowing your child to have contact with the other parent-and can get some valuable time to yourself.

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Non-custodial Parent: 

You can be sure that your contact with your child(ren) does not have to be interrupted regardless of any personal or interpersonal problems you may be having.If allegations have been made against you, which is often the case when supervision is ordered, you can visit without fear of any new accusations because there is someone present who can verify what happened during your time together. When using a professional service, you can also be assured that the supervisors are neutral and objective

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