Supervised Visitation
Supervised visitation allows children to have access to non-custodial parents in a safe, therapeutic environment, facilitated by a trained professional.
Activities
Activities for You and Your Children
There are many types of activities that can happen during a visit: families can cook or bake in our kitchen or play on our playground; play board games and video games, create arts and crafts, read books together, or engage in imaginative play with toys. We have things at our center to do, but parents may also bring age appropriate activities. Although relatives may visit, the visitations are primarily aimed at maintaining, improving or establishing the parent/child relationship.
About the Supervisor
A supervisor will be present at all times during the interaction between the parent and child(ren). The supervisor documents observed interactions and conversations during the visit; however they do not record opinions or make recommendations. The supervisor is responsible to intervene and re-direct the non-custodial parent if policies are not being followed.
The role of the supervisor is also to help facilitate, as needed, interaction and connections between the parent and child. Additionally, the supervisor can assist with parenting questions, like how to discipline with time-outs and how to change a diaper. Parents are encouraged to take our free Parenting Education class, and can put to practice what they are learning during visitation.
We understand that being supervised during visitation may feel uncomfortable at first, but parents and children typically adjust quickly to the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can we do supervised visits without a court order?
A. No, in order for us to facilitate a supervised visit we must have a copy of the order that has been signed by the judge.
Q. What is the process to start visitation?
A. Both parties need to contact our center to schedule an intake. Once both parties have completed their intakes, we conduct a child orientation to help prepare the children before beginning visitation. After these steps have been completed, the non-custodial parent may begin requesting visits.
Q. How long will it take for visitation to start?
A. It all depends on how long it takes to get the required steps completed! If we have the required documentation and both parties are prompt in scheduling with us, we can typically complete the enrollment process and be ready to start visits in under a week.
Intake
We will need to review your court order to start the process for Monitored Exchanges or Supervised Visits. Please email your court order to intakes@guardianhouse.org and include your name and phone number. A staff member from our Intake Department will contact you to send intake paperwork within two business days.
