When a court determines that a noncustodial parent poses a danger to a child, the judge might order supervised visitation. The details of the visitation must be delineated in a parenting plan and agreed upon by both parents. Supervised visitation is often ordered for a specified period of time and reevaluated according to the agreement. Supervised visitation is designed to promote a healthy parent-child relationship and can end when all parties agree that the goal has been realized.
Why supervised visitation?
Illinois family courts attempt to forge and maintain safe and nurturing parent-child relationships. When a parent has been alienated from the child or the child feels unsafe with the parent, it might be in the child’s best interest to have a controlled environment for rebuilding the relationship.
Supervised visitation might be appropriate when:
- A parent has been absent from the child’s life for an extended period of time.
- A parent has been physically, emotionally, or sexually abusive.
- A parent suffers from mental illness.
- A parent abuses drugs or alcohol.
- A parent has neglected a child.
- There is a risk or threat of general or international abduction.
The parents decide all of the parameters of the visits. If they are not able to agree on the details, the court can appoint a parenting coordinator to assist in this process.
Who can supervise visits?
Any adult can act as supervisor. The supervisor must be able to cultivate a trusting relationship with the child and feel comfortable being in the presence of the parent. While there are trained, professional supervisory services available, it can be better for all involved if the supervisor is already familiar to the child. A relative or family friend is often a better choice than a stranger. It is usually appropriate to pay a supervisor for the time, for any tickets to events attending during supervision, and for food, drink, and parking fees.
Supervised visitation can help build or rebuild a sound, nurturing relationship between parent and child. If your family requires assistance with your parenting plan, speak to a family law attorney at our firm or visit our Skokie-area office.
Born in Havana, Cuba, Paul Chatzky is fluent in Spanish and English, enabling him to effectively represent a wider range of individuals and families. He is AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, and is listed among Illinois Super Lawyers, which is a reflection of his high ethical standards and exceptional legal knowledge. As a…
Prior to joining the firm as a paralegal, Debbie was employed by major banking institutions as a loan processor and as an executive secretary. Debbie was also employed as an administrative assistant for the Board of Jewish Education. Having majored in Sociology, Debbie graduated from the University of Florida in 1980. Debbie completed her studies…
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