When are Supervised Visits Appropriate?
There are many reasons why supervision may be appropriate. For example:
1. If there are risks to the child in spending unsupervised time.
The risks may be alleged and not proven or may be proven, depending on the family’s circumstances and the stage of their case. Some risk factors include:
- Drug misuse;
- Alcohol misuse;
- Violence; or
- Mental health issues.
2. If the child has not spent time with that person for some time.
The child may feel more comfortable with a third-party present, to help rebuild a relationship.
3. If it may be helpful to the parents to have an independent person (supervisor) report back to them on how the visit went, including how the child coped and what happened during the visit.
This can be helpful where the parents cannot agree on how the child would/is coping with the visits, or if one parent has concerns about the visit. The supervisor can provide a report (usually written) to each parent, to paint a picture of how the visit went.