Supervised Visitation is the contact between a non custodial parent and his or her child(ren) in the presence of a neutral party responsible for observing the visit and ensuring the safety of those involved.

Supervised Visitation is necessary when the parent-child relationship has been interrupted due to many reasons, alleged or documented. Some reasons include Domestic Violence, Child(ren) Witness Abuse, Allegations of Child Abuse, and Abduction Risk.

The purpose of Supervised Visitation 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.

Supervised Visitation is not:

• Psychological Evaluation
• Custody Evaluation
• Treatment of Psychological Disorders
• Personal Counseling
• Replacement for Legal Counseling
• Payback for Child Support Disputes
• Mediation Alternative
• Baby Sitting

The Role of the Monitor…

To sustain an impartial role by not discussing court cases after the intake meeting is complete. The monitor will not agree with or show support towards one party over another. The monitor will not actively encourage or discourage the relationship between the parent and child(ren), but WILL intervene if the child is threatened emotionally or physically. The information collected by the monitor is reported to the Court without interpretation or judgment.

The monitor will be friendly, but is NOT a friend.

The program features…

• Private visiting room with age appropriate toys, games, and books
• Weekend and Evening hours
• A system designed for parents to progress in movement toward unsupervised visits

Supervised Visitation Guidelines

• Scheduled visits are Court Ordered. All court ordered documents must be received prior to the start of each visit.
• You must arrive and depart on time.
• Visits must end at scheduled times.
• Direct contact between custodial parents and visiting parents will not be allowed.
• Use of cigarettes, alcohol or illegal drugs is not allowed during visits.
• No profanity.
• No food or drinks allowed in visitation room.
• Cancellations must be made within 24 hours of the visit.
• There will be no discussion of court cases.

Visitation Services

Type of Visitations
ON-SITE CLOSED VISITATIONS (Visitation Room)

Closed On-Site Visitations are sometimes ordered by the court. A playroom has been created in the Madison County Juvenile Court Building to allow the parent and child to play in a relaxed atmosphere.

Requesting Services
Families are referred to the program by court order, agency referral or self referral. All pertinent copies of court orders must be received at the time of referral. Referring agencies must provide addition background information before the visits may be scheduled. Each parent must complete an intake interview prior to enrolling in the program. Parents can call Madison County CASA Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4:00pm to schedule an appointment.