Allyn Anderson

Bus. Phone: 949.489.1172

Cell Phone:  949.274.2256

E-mail:  allyn@r-time.org

TIPS FOR THE

CUSTODIAL PARENT

Supervised visitation 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. Supervised visitation can sometimes feel like one more responsibility. Of course you also have concerns and questions about the visits and how they will affect your child. This is understandable. 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 in the process: ·

Read the Court Order / Custody Order thoroughly

 Explain to your child where and when the visits will take place

 Have your child ready on time and be prompt

 Reassure your child that you support him or her in having a pleasant visit.

· Do not quiz your child about the visit

 Do not make your child a messenger to the other party.

FAQ

At  R-time together, we've done our best to create a Web site that anticipates and satisfies our client’s needs. With that goal in mind, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, contact us at 949- 274-2256 or

allyn@r-time.org  .

Off-Site Supervised Visitations and Supervised Exchanges

A Parent's Guide to the Supervised Visitation Process

ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

What is a Supervised Visit?

SUPERVISED VISITATIONS sometimes referred to as "Monitored Visitations" refers to contact between a non-custodial parent and one or more of his or her children in the presence of an unbiased third party responsible for observing the visit and ensuring the safety of those involved.

What are the Rules during a Supervised Visit?

The basic rules that are enforced during a supervised visit are:

• The monitor will be present at all times during the visit.
• The monitor must be able to hear all conversations between the child(ren) and the visiting parent, for example, no whispering, hand signals, notes.
• No discussion of the Court case or possible future outcomes.
• No derogatory comments about the other parent or their family.
• No gathering information about the other parent, his or her family or extended family.
• No hitting or spanking, or threatening the child(ren).

What Authority does the Monitor have ?

Monitors Authority.

As a Supervised Visitation Monitor I am here to help, for whatever the reason that the Court has required supervised visits, it is just that, a Court required order. I realize that there is a bit of resentment on the part of the Non-Custodial  Parent at being required to have a Monitor (a stranger) who has control over the visits. But the program is not about fairness, it’s is about the protection and safety of the child(ren). As a Monitor I am not here with preconceived notions and I’m not judgmental, the court and/or attorneys involved have required that a Monitor be present. I am here for the children. and a part of the process that has been set up for you to visit with them.  However, if I deem that the rules are not being complied with I have the authority to end the visit and report back to the Court as to why the visit was terminated. California Law)

As a neutral party to assist you in enjoying your children’s visit’s under the current circumstances. Lets work together to make it as enjoyable as possible. . (

What is a Monitored Exchanges?

SUPERVISED EXCHANGES, sometimes referred to as "Monitored Exchanges" or "Supervised/Monitored Transfers" is the supervision of the transfer of a child or children from one parent to the other. Supervision is limited to the exchange or transfer only with the remainder of the parent/child contact unsupervised.

Most frequently, precautions are taken to assure that the two parents or other individuals exchanging the child(ren) do not come into contact with one another.

PURPOSE of Supervised Visitations and Supervised Exchanges is to ensure that a child can have safe contact with a non custodial parent without being put in the middle of the parents' conflicts or other problems. An important goal of supervised visitation is the reunification of the family. It is the child's need that is of paramount importance in making decisions regarding the need for such supervision. However, there are some significant benefits to parents. It is the hope that no one will look upon supervised visitation or exchange as a negative or stigmatized service. It is a tool that can help families as they go through difficult and/or transitional times.

What is the purpose of the Intake Interview?

During the mandatory in-person intake meeting You will be required to provide a copy of the Court Order and a copy of your driver's license . The custodial parent will also be required to provide a photograph of the child(ren) that will be involved in the supervised  visitation/exchange. We will go over the Guidelines and Rules and fill in the necessary

paperwork. The R-Time, agreement for service will be explained and the first visitation set up

It is necessary that there be two separate Intake Sessions, one for each parent and there is a fee for each.

Why two separate meetings? Usually the purpose of the Court Ordered Visitation is because of some accusation of abuse and the parents must be separate. In addition, one parent may have different thoughts as to what the Court Order states. The Monitor will follow the Court Order requirements.

What are the Supervisor’s/Monitor’s Responsibilities?

1 . Work as a Neutral Third Party during Supervised Visitations.

2. Protect the safety of all parties involved before, during, and after Supervised  Visitations.

3. Monitor the events and activities that occur before, during, and after Supervised Visitations.

4. Document the events and activities that occur before, during, and after Supervised Visitations.

5. Report noncompliance with Court Orders and Supervised Visitation Guidelines

6. Report suspected or known cases of Child Abuse to Child Protective Services.