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Professional Providers of Supervised Visitation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Supervised Visitation?

The public policy goal of the State of California, Standard 5.20 is to ".....assure the safety and welfare of the child, adults and providers of supervised visitation. Once safety is assured, the best interest of the child is the paramount consideration at all stages particularly in deciding the manner in which supervisions is provided." Sometimes, based on issues of protection and safety, a judge will decide that in order for a child to have contact with a parent, a neutral third person must be present during any visitation. This type of third-person visitation arrangement is often called "supervised visitation". (Click here for information and help if you have experienced domestic violence.)

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

  • 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 existing relationship between the two,
  • 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; or
  • when there is a parental threat of abduction.

The court order may specify the time, frequency and duration of the visits. Sometimes, the court order may also specify who the supervised visitation provider is to be and where the visits are to take place.

Who is a Supervised Visitation Provider?

There are two types of supervised visitation providers: (1) the nonprofessional provider, (2) the professional provider. All supervised visitation providers must agree to follow the the California Rules of Court as set out in Standards 5.20 and 3200. Uniform Standards of Practice for Providers of Supervised Visitation.

The non-professional provider is usually a family member or friend who does not provide supervised visitation services and is not paid for their services. Your court order will usually say which type of provider you have to use to supervise these visits.

What is the Job of the Supervised Visitation Provider?

The provider is there to make every effort to keep your child safe and support your child in enjoying the visit with the supervised parent. Whether a paid professional, family member or friend, the provider's job is to make sure that the children involved in the visits are safe and free from any unnecessary stress. The provider must be present at all times during the visit, listen to what is being said, and pay close attention to the child's and the parent's behavior. If necessary, the provider may interrupt or end a visit, if it is determined to be in the best interest and safety of the child(ren). All providers are to report suspected child abuse to the Child Abuse Hotline at 1 (800) 540-4000.

 

Cheryl Alexander - A Path for Family

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