Professional Supervised Visitation

What Does the Supervised Visitation Monitor Do?

The primary role of a professional supervised visitation monitor (VM) is to act as a neutral third party to ensure a safe environment for a child, or children, to visit with a non-custodial parent. The VM’s duty is to observe the visit and provide a written report of all that took place during the visit. Basically, the VM must be present throughout the visit, listen and document conversational topics and activities, observe the child’s behavior and follow up with a written report. The VM is also responsible for reporting suspicious behavior and has the right to interrupt or terminate a visit if there are concerns.

Before any meetings take place, the VM must conduct a separate intake interview with each parent, preferably in person. The VM should be provided with copies of the court order as well as any other relevant orders prior to meeting. During these sessions the VM will have an opportunity to get an understanding about the nature of the case, and will be presented with information about the children, any special needs or concerns regarding the visitations and so forth. Fees and payment protocol shall be discussed and agreed upon.

The meeting place will be at a location mutually agreed upon by both parents and the VM. Possible visitation sites can include the non-custodial parent’s home, restaurants, parks, playgrounds, beaches, zoos, etc.

The VM is responsible for being present at all times during the visit and is required to keep a factual record of the visit, including a timeline of all activities taking place, including conversational topics, etc. The report will be limited to factual information only and will not include the VM’s opinions, conclusions or recommendations. This record will be shared with the Court, mediator or evaluator, parent(s) and/or attorney if requested by the court.

The Family Law Code 3200.5, Uniform Standards of Court 5.20 sets forth detailed standards of practice for providers of supervised visitation, including a specific set of safety and security procedures which the VM is required to adhere to. In order to become a professional supervised visitation provider, an individual must complete 24 hours of training, including 12 hours of classroom instruction in specific subjects.

For more detailed information, I encourage you to visit the California Courts Self-Help Guide.