What is Supervised Visitation?

Supervised Visitation refers to contact between a non-custodial parent and one or more children in the presence of a third party responsible for observing and seeking to ensure the safety of the participants.

The Supervised Visitation program is designed to create a positive, safe, and neutral environment where children and their parents can be assured of a safe exchange of visitation with non-custodial parents.

Monitored Exchange takes place when a neutral party assists with the transfer of the child from one parent to the other. A no-contact order is enforced to ensure that the custodial or non-custodial parent does not have contact with one another.

Our Mission:

The objective of the program is for children to develop and/or maintain healthy relationships with their non-custodial parent in a neutral and safe environment.

Reasons for Supervised Visitation

Problems or alleged problems that may result in an order for supervised visitations include --

• Domestic abuse
  
• Charges or allegations of any type of child abuse
  
• Substance abuse
  
• Parents with mental illness
  
• Parents who have been estranged from the child
  
• The Visitation Program goals:
  
• Provide on-site and off-site Supervised Visitation services
  
• Provide peaceful Monitored Exchanges
  
• Offer assistance for families in conflict during a transitional stage
  
• Provide children with a stress-free environment
  
• Additional Information:
  
  The Center for Children has a Visitation Access Center in both Charles County and St. Mary's County
  
• Visitations must be referred by the court
  
• Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals 21 years and older
  
• Training and background check is required for volunteers
  

For more information about visitation services or volunteering opportunities, contact Chenee Hamilton at (301) 609-9887 or email Hamilton@center-for-children.org.