What Is Supervised Visitation?

 Posted on January 15, 2024 in Child Custody

In almost all child custody cases, the court will want the child to have an opportunity to spend time with both parents. However, there are some cases where the court might feel that the child would be safer seeing one parent if there is another trusted adult present to make sure the visit goes smoothly. While many parents find the idea of needing “supervision” to see their children repulsive, this is frequently done as a precaution to start with. Over time, the court may find supervision no longer necessary. While you may feel insulted, ordering supervised visitation is the court’s way of making sure that a parent who has had certain issues in their life can still enjoy quality time with their child. There are several types of supervision a court may use depending on the circumstances. If supervised visitation is likely to become an issue in your case, it is important to work with an experienced Batavia, IL, child custody lawyer. 

How Does Supervised Visitation Work in Kane County, IL?

There are two main types of supervised visitation courts use. One type is requiring visitation to take place only in a designated supervised visitation center. You and your child will arrive separately at the center and check in at the front desk. Then, a staff member will take you and your child to a private room that is usually equipped with things like a TV and video or board games. A staff member will remain in the room or just outside the room with the door open during your visit. There are rules that must be adhered to, such as “no foul language” and “parents must be sober at the time of visitation.”

In other cases, the court may allow visitation to take place in the community, so long as there is an adult it deems responsible present the entire time you are with your child. Although you may be restricted from bringing the child to your home, you would be free to take them to a park, restaurant, or movie theater. 

When is Supervised Visitation Used?

Supervised visitation may be ordered in cases where one parent has certain risk factors, such as:

• Serious mental illness, such as Schizophrenia or a severe form of Bipolar Disorder,
• Substance abuse issues, unless the parent is already in long-term recovery,
• Certain types of criminal convictions, like domestic violence or any sex offense.

If supervised visitation is ordered in your case, remember that it may be only temporary until the court sees that you have made the necessary changes in your life and comes to trust you.

Contact a Kane County, IL, Child Custody Lawyer

Van Larson Law, P.C., is dedicated to helping parents maintain a strong relationship with their children. Our experienced Batavia, IL, child custody attorneys will strive to get you the best visitation possible. Contact us at 630-879-9090 for a complimentary consultation.