Reasons for Supervised Visitation:
The policy of the State of California is to promote the best interests of children whose parents (or other involved parties) have a custody or visitation matter in the family court. The first step in doing this is to make sure the children are safe and protected. The second step is to help children have contact with each of their parents, even after a divorce, separation, or if never married, Sometimes, (based on certain circumstances) a judge will decide that in order for a child to have contact with a parent, it is better for all concerned that a neutral, third party be present.
The Monitor's Responsibilities
- Work as a Neutral Third Party during Supervised Visitations.
- Protect the emotional and physical safety of all parties involved before, during and after the Supervised Visitations.
- Monitor the events and activities that occur before, during and after Supervised Visitations.
- Objectively document the events and activities that occur before, during and after Supervised Visitations.
- Report non-compliance with Court Orders and Supervised Visitation Guidelines.
- Report suspected Child Abuse to Child Protective Services.
How Supervised Visitation Works
Orientation
When you have chosen a monitor, he/she will set up separate orientation appointments with each parent. Orientation typically takes 1 to 2 hours. The goal is for the monitor to explain the supervised visitation process so both parents fully understand what to expect. Information such as allergies, medications, preferences as to food and activities and emergency contact information will be gathered. The custodial parent will learn how to prepare the child for the visit. Orientation also gives both parents and the child/children the opportunity to get to know the monitor and the visitation schedule will be set up.The Visitation
- The monitor will contact each parent the day before the visit to confirm the time and location.
- The monitor will arrive at the selected location 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival time of the custodial parent (CP) and the child/children.
- The Custodial Parent arrives to drop off the child/children 15 minutes before the Non-Custodial Parent's scheduled arrival time.
- Custodial Parent leaves the child/children with the monitor and departs.
- The Non-Custodial Parent (NCP) arrives for the visit, 15 minutes after the arrival of the child/children.
- From this point on, the Monitor is as unobtrusive as possible. Should anyone ask who they are, they are a friend, or perhaps a "Personal Assistant" of the NCP.
- The Monitor observes all activities and takes notes as unobtrusively as possible. He/she has to stay within sight and hearing of the NCP and child/children at all times
- The Monitor will only intervene in order to prevent and/or resolve and incident or situation in which the court order is violated or the Supervised Visitation rules are broken.
- Rarely, it may become necessary to terminate a visit. This only happens if Court Orders or Supervised Visitation Rules cannot be enforced or the child is in distress. In this case, we may refer you to a therapeutic mediator.
- At the end of the visit, the Custodial Parent arrives to pick up the child/children 15 minutes after the departure of the Non-Custodial Parent. The Monitor will pass on any relevant information about the visit to the CP.
- The Monitor will transcribe his/her notes and prepare a report which can be provided to the CP, NCP, attorneys and court if requested.
Fees
- Orientation: $100.00 ($50.00 for each parent)
- Supervised Exchange: $100.00 - to NCP and back to CP
- Supervised Visitation: fees start at $45.00 per hour with a 2 hour minimum
- Transcribed notes and court reports quoted upon request