What is Supervised Visitation?

Contact between a non-custodial parent and one or more children in the presence of a third person who is responsible for observing and ensuring the safety of those involved.
What are Monitored/Neutral Exchanges?

Supervision of movement of the child or children from the custodial to the non-custodial parent at the start of the non-custodial parent/child contact and from the non-custodial parent back to the custodial parent at the end of the contact. Supervision and exchange monitoring is limited to the exchanges, the remainder of the parent child contact occurs unsupervised and off site.

Who is a Supervised Visitation and Monitored/Neutral Exchange Provider?

There are two types of providers: The professional provider is trained on specific topics related to supervised visitation and monitored exchange. Professional providers adhere to Uniform Standards of Practice and usually charge a fee for services.
The non-professional provider is typically a family member or friend. Your court order will generally specify which type of provider you are to use.

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. 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 my interrupt or end a visit. All providers are required to report suspected child abuse to the Child Abuse Hotline of Arkansas 1-800-482-5964.

How Do I Select a Professional Provider?

The relationship you have with a professional provider will be more of a business relationship in which services are performed for a fee. Before you begin supervised visits or monitored exchanges, an AVEC staff person must meet with you in person and discuss certain topic about the visits with you. These topics include:

• Terms of the visits
• Method of Payment
• Safety Procedures
• Reasons for interrupting or ending a visit

You will also be asked to sign an agreement about those conditions. You can prepare for this meeting by making a list of questions you have and make sure you understand what services will be provided and what is expected of you. This will help you feel more comfortable during the visits and allow you to focus on your child.

Tips for the Visiting Parent

Being with your child in the presence of someone else may be uncomfortable for you, at least in the beginning. You probably have many question and concerns, and that is perfectly understandable. During tough times you may want to talk to a mental health professional or find a support group to help you with your feelings. Do your best to focus on our relationship with your child. Your patience and commitment will pay off. Here are some suggestions that might be helpful to you:

• Read the court order
• Arrive and depart on time
• Avoid discussion the court case or terms of the visit with your child.
• Avoid quizzing your child about the other parent’s activities and relationships.
• Do not make your child a messenger to the other party.
• Say brief and positive goodbye’s to your child when the visit is over.

Tips for the Custodial Parent

Supervised Visitation and Neutral Exchanges can also be a challenge for you. Typically you have been taking care of your child’s everyday needs and have a routine for yourself and your family. This can feel like one more responsibility. It is understandable that you also have concerns and questions about the visits and how they will affect your child. In difficult times you may also want to talk to a mental health professional or find a support group where you can talk about your feelings. Here are a few suggestions that might help you with the process:

• Read the court order
• Explain to your child when and where the visits will take place
• Have your child ready on time and be prompt
• Reassure your child that you support him/her in having a pleasant visit
• Avoid quizzing your child about the visit
• Do not make your child a messenger to the other party.

To Both Parents

Supervised visitation and Monitored/Neutral Exchanges can be difficult and uncomfortable at times. Often there are hurt and angry feelings toward the other parent, and it seems impossible to have a positive attitude about the visitation. Remember that both of you care about your children, and that, if possible, children benefit from having two parents in their lives.