Supervised Visitation

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.

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.

Creating a positive, safe, and neutral environment where children and their parents can be assured of a safe exchange of visitation with non-custodial parents.

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

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 Teri Cardwell at (301) 609-9887 or email Cardwell@center-for-children.org.