Supervised visitation is a court-ordered arrangement wherein a non-custodial parent or another party is required to have a third-party supervisor present during visits with a child. This type of arrangement is often deemed necessary in various circumstances to ensure the safety and well-being of the child involved.
During supervised visitation, a third-party supervisor is typically appointed to oversee the interactions between the non-custodial parent or other party and the child. This arrangement is considered best in several instances, including the following.
History of abuse and neglect
When allegations of abuse and neglect have been made against the non-custodial parent or when there is evidence of past instances of abuse or neglect, supervised visitation is often the best option to ensure the safety of the child. By having a third-party supervisor present during visits, the risk of further harm to the child is minimized, and the child can still maintain contact with the parent in a controlled environment.
Certain mental health concerns
If the non-custodial parent has documented mental health concerns of a particularly significant nature, that may impair their ability to safely interact with the child, supervised visitation can be beneficial. Mental health issues such as untreated or severe mental illness, substance abuse problems or unstable behavior can pose risks to the child’s well-being. Having a third-party supervisor present during visits can help ensure that the interactions between the parent and child are safe and appropriate.
Parental alienation or estrangement
In cases where the parent has been estranged from the child or there are concerns of parental alienation, supervised visitation can be helpful in facilitating and rebuilding the parent-child relationship. A neutral third-party present during visits can help the parent and child work towards rebuilding trust and strengthening their bond in a structured and supportive environment.
The well-being of the child is the primary concern in determining whether supervised visitation is necessary. If you have reservations about your child’s safety and well-being during visitations, seeking legal guidance can help you understand the options available and how to proceed in the best interest of your child.
