What is Supervised Parent-Time?

Supervised parent-time refers to visits between a non-custodial parent and one or more children in the presence of a third person responsible for observing the interactions and ensuring the safety of those involved. "Monitored Visitation", "Supervised Child Access", and "Supervised Child Contact" are other terms with the same meaning.

What is Supervised Exchange?

Supervised exchanges, sometimes referred to as "Monitored Exchanges" or "Supervised/Monitored Transfers," is supervision of the parent-time exchange. Supervision is limited to the exchange or transfer only, with the remainder of the parent/child contact remaining unsupervised. Most frequently, precautions are taken to assure that the two parents or other individuals exchanging the child do not come into contact with one another.

What is the purpose of Supervised Exchanges or Parent-Time?

Both supervised parent-time and supervised exchanges are designed to ensure that a child has safe, conflict-free contact with a non-custodial parent. The needs of the child are paramount in making any decisions regarding the need for such supervision, however, there are also some significant benefits to parents. Supervision is a tool that can help families as they go through difficult family transitions. Some of the benefits for the various family members are as follows:

For the children:

It allows the children to maintain a relationship with both of their parents, something that is generally found to be an important factor in the positive adjustment to family dissolution.

For custodial parents:

You do not have to communicate or have contact with a person with whom you are in conflict or by whom you might be frightened or intimidated. The arrangements can be made by a neutral party (the visit supervisor) and there does not have to be contact before, during, or after the visits.

You can relax and feel comfortable allowing your child to have contact with the other parent-and can get some valuable time to yourself.

For non-custodial parents:

You can be sure that your contact with your children does not have to be interrupted, regardless of any problems you may be having with the other parent.

If allegations have been made against you, which is often the case when supervision is ordered, you can visit without fear of any new accusations because there is someone present who will verify what happened during your parent-time. When using a professional service, you can also be assured that the supervisors are neutral and objective.

Supervision in the case of parental separation:

Parent-time, visitation, contact, and access are words used to refer to post separation contact with the non-custodial parent or another significant person, such as a grandparent, sibling, or other relative. When the Court determines it is appropriate, it may order that such parent-time take place in the presence of a third party.

Supervised exchanges may be Court ordered or arranged by the parents and are appropriate when one or both parents do not feel safe or comfortable interacting directly with the each other. Children should not be put into a situation where he/she is exposed to the discord between the parents. Supervised exchanges eliminate this possibility.

Why use a North Star Supervision over a friend or relative?

Why not use a friend or relative rather than a professional service, particularly when there is a fee involved?

Often there is nothing to prohibit you from using a "non-professional" relative, friend, or acquaintance. Many Court Orders will allow that as an option, providing both parents can agree on who to use. That often does not work out for the following reasons:

First and foremost is the difficulty in finding someone on whom you both agree. If you are having sufficient conflict that supervision was deemed necessary, then chances are very slim you will be able to find an individual that both of you will trust and feel comfortable with.

Secondly, it puts a real strain on friendships. Many well-meaning friends and relatives will agree to provide the service but will quickly tire of the regular commitment and/or being in the middle of your conflicts. It is difficult for friends and relatives to restrain from taking sides. Once neutrality is lost, then the credibility of the "supervisor" will come into question and much of the feeling of security and safety will be gone.

And, finally, it may actually detract from the quality of the parent/child time together. It is often tempting to spend time interacting with the acquaintance rather than focusing on the child. Children may then come to resent the visits because they feel that they are secondary and not primary in the interaction.