Frequently Asked Questions
About Supervised Visitation

What is Supervised Visitation?

The public policy of the State of California is to protect the best interests of children whose parents have a custody or visitation matter within the family courts. 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, like:

  • 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 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; or
  • when there is a parental threat of abduction.

The court order will specify the time and duration of the visits. Sometimes, the court order will 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 three types of supervised visitation providers: (1) the nonprofessional provider, (2) the professional provider, and (3) the therapeutic provider. All supervised visitation providers must agree to follow the Uniform Standards of Practice for Providers of Supervised Visitation.

The professional and therapeutic providers usually charge a fee for services and are experienced in and trained to provide supervised visitation services. The non-professional provider is usually a family member or friend who does not provide supervised visitation services. Your court order will usually say which type of provider you have to use to supervise these visits.

Are There Qualifications for a Supervised Visitation Provider?

Yes. All providers of supervised visitation must meet minimum qualifications prior to providing services. The qualifications for the three types of supervised visitation providers in California are:

Click here for the guidelines and standards for professional and therapeutic supervised visitation providers.

Are there Training Requirements for a Supervised Visitation Provider?

Yes. Professional and therapeutic providers should receive training on the topics outlined in Standard 5.20 of the California Standards of Judicial Administration.

Also, supervised visitation providers are strongly encouraged to follow the training and education requirements of the Supervised Visitation Network. Click here to see the standards for supervised visitation practice.

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 behavior. If necessary, the provider may interrupt or end a visit. All providers are to report suspected child abuse to the Child Abuse Hotline at 1 (800) 540-4000 (Los Angeles County), or 1 (805) 654-3200 (Ventura County), or 1 (800) 367-0166 (Santa Barbara County).

How can I find a supervised visitation location?

Contact or check with your local Family Court Service office in your local court. Generally, each county Family Court Services office has a list of providers in your area. Click here to find your local Family Court Services office.

IMPORTANT
Before you enter into an agreement with a provider, get his or her name and California Driver's License number and call TrustLine at 1-800-822-8490. If the provider is cleared by TrustLine it means that no disqualifying child abuse reports or disqualifying criminal convictions exist in California. You may want to call from time to time to see that the provider is still in good standing. Not all professional or therapeutic providers go through TrustLine for child abuse and criminal background clearance so it is important to remember that prior to the commencement of service; providers of supervised visitation must be cleared by the State Child Abuse Registry and completed fingerprinting clearance.

In addition, professional and therapeutic providers must obtain and maintain insurance coverage that is appropriate to their business operations and the nature of the work and services provided.

Where can I get more information about supervised visitation?

You can visit the Supervised Visitation Network for more information about supervised visitation and related services.