Supervised Child Visitation FAQs

 

1. What is Supervised Visitation?

 

Supervised Visitation refers to contact between a non-custodial parent and one or more children in the presence of a neutral third person responsible for observing and seeking to ensure the safety of those involved. They are referred to as "monitored visits." The Monitor observes and records the actions and activities of the child(ren)'s visit with the non-custodial parent. Supervised Visitation does not involve baby-sitting, counseling, mediation, payback for child support, punishment or substitution for legal counsel.

 

2. What is Supervised Exchange?

 

Supervised Exchanges, sometimes referred to as "Monitored Exchanges" or "Supervised/Monitored Transfers," is supervision of the transfer of the child(ren) from one parent to the other. Supervision is limited to the exchange or transfer only with the remainder of the parent/child(ren) contact remaining unsupervised.

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3. What is the purpose?

 

Both Supervised Visits and Supervised Exchanges are designed to assure that a child(ren) 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.

 

4. Who pays for the supervised visitation?

 

The judge makes that decision based on the financial status of the parents and information given to them by the attorneys. In most cases the parent being supervised pays the monitoring fee. The paying parent is responsible for all the expenses incurred during the visit for themselves, the child(ren) and the Monitor.

 

5. How is the payment made from the parent to the visitation Monitor?

A cash payment with exact change is to be paid at the beginning of each visit. The Monitor will give you a receipt.

 

6. How long is each supervised visit?

The judge will determine how many hours a parent will get each week. There is a two-hour minimum visit required.

 

7. What activities can I do with my children during a supervised visit?

The Monitor always adheres to any stipulations in the court order. The Monitor wants you to enjoy your visits and do activities that you usually do with your child(ren). The Monitor will supervise visits at parks, family homes, shopping malls, and beaches for some examples. The Monitor will not supervise visits at any large amusement parks, which are too large to hear conversations between the parent and child(ren); there is also the risk that the child(ren) will get lost or the parent will flee with the child(ren).

 

8. Who may be a supervised visitation monitor?
 

The 2013 California Rules of Court state that the professional supervised visitation Monitor should:

 

• be 21 years of age or older

• have no conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) within the last 5 years

• not have been on probation or parole for the last 10 years

• have no record of a conviction for child molestation, child abuse, or other crimes against a person

• have proof of automobile insurance if transporting the child

• have no civil, criminal, or juvenile restraining orders within the last 10 years

• have no current or past court order in which the provider is the person being supervised

• not be financially dependent upon the person being supervised

• have no conflict of interest regarding the parent being supervised

• agree to adhere to and enforce the court order regarding supervised visitation

 

9. Why are people supervised on visits to see their child?

A judge may order professional supervised visitation for many reasons, such as:

 

• when there is a parental threat of abduction

• to give the visiting parent a chance to address specific issues

• to help reintroduce a parent and a child after a long absence

• to help introduce a parent and a child when there has been no relationship between the parent and the child

• when there is a history or allegations of domestic violence, child abuse and neglect or substance abuse

• when there are parenting concerns or mental illness

• when there is a parental threat of abduction

 

10. What are the benefits?

 

For the children:

 

It allows the children to maintain a relationship with both of their parents, something that is generally found to be an important factor in the positive adjustment to family dissolution. It also allows them to anticipate the visits without stress of worrying about what is going to happen and to enjoy them in a safe, comfortable environment without having to be put in the middle of their parents' conflict and/or other problems.

 

For the custodial parents:

 

You do not have to communicate or have contact with a person with whom you are in conflict or by whom you might be frightened or intimidated. The arrangements can be made by a neutral party (the Monitor) and there does not have to be contact before, during, or after the visits. You can relax and feel comfortable allowing your child(ren) to have contact with the other parent - and can get some valuable time to yourself.

 

For the non-custodial parents:

 

You can be sure that your contact with your children 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 are 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 Monitor is neutral and objective.

 

11. What are some suggestions for the non-custodial parent?

 

• Read the court order

• Arrive and depart on time

• Avoid discussing the court case or terms of the visit with your child(ren)

• Avoid quizzing your child(ren) about the other parent's activities and relationships

• Avoid making your child(ren) a messenger to the other party

• Say brief and positive good-byes to your child(ren) when the visit is over

 

12. What are some suggestions for the custodial parent?

 

• Read the court order

• Explain to your child(ren) where and when the visits will take place

• Have your child(ren) ready on time and be prompt

• Reassure your child(ren) that you support him or her in having a pleasant visit

• Avoid quizzing your child(ren) about the visit

• Avoid making your child(ren) a messenger to the other party

 

13. A Final Thought

 

Supervised visitation can be difficult and uncomfortable at times. Often there are hurt and angry feelings toward the other parent, and it seems impossible to have a positive attitude about supervised visitation. Remember that both of you care about your children, and that, if possible, children benefit from having two parents in their lives.