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 Chana Smikle at (301) 609-9887 x129 or email smikle@center-for-children.org.
