Child visitation refers to the contact that a parent, a grandparent or other caretaker of a child can have with him/ her following the parents' divorce. Visitation rights are typically given to the non- custodial parent. In case of joint custody, where both the parents are custodial parents, the rights are given to the non- residential parent. Usually, the non custodial parent can visit the child and take him or her away from the residence (custodial) to spend quality time. In certain cases, this is not so. Read on to know about supervised access.

Supervised access

Supervised access is a child access arrangement which has been adopted so that the best interests of the child are protected and promoted. Sometimes, a non- custodial parent (or any other person important in the life of the child, like a grandparent) can pose risks to the safety, health and welfare of a child. He/ she might not be in a position to take proper care of the child. In these cases, the court denies access or orders for supervised access to the parent. You can take assistance from divorce lawyers and family lawyers in matters relating to child access.

Supervision

Under risky or conflicting situations, the non- custodial parent should visit the child under supervision of a court ordered professional, a friend or a family member. The decision on who should supervise is left to the child's provider. Professionals are usually preferred for supervision as they can provide an environment in which the parent and the child can spend time with each other. Another advantage of appointing them is that they can handle a risky situation if one arises.

Objectives

• Denying child access to a parent might result in a more conflicted situation. When the visitation rights are given, nurturing of a good relationship between the parent and the child is encouraged.
• Supervised access results in creating a safe environment for everyone involved.
• It helps in providing observations about the parent and his behavior by the appointed person.

Circumstances leading to supervised access

When a parent poses threats to his/ her child's safety, supervised access becomes necessary. There are certain high conflict or high risks situations under which this arrangements is granted. Here are a few of them.

• If the parent is mentally unwell
• If there is a negligence on the part of the parent in taking care of the child.
• If there are risks of the child being abducted by the parent
• In case the child has been separated from the parent for a long time
• In case the parent has a history of abusing, domestic violence, drug use, or any other potentially harmful situations regarding family.

How to make it easier on the child

In cases of supervised visits, both the custodial and non- custodial parent should make it easier on the child. Both the parents should display a positive outlook to promote the best interests of the child. The parents should not talk ill of each other in front of the child and should let the child have fun. The custodial parent should not enquire the child about the visit. The non- custodial parent should make the meeting a fun experience for the child. Take assistance of divorce lawyers and family lawyers in matters relating to supervised child visitation.

.

| January 13, 2012 | Back to Top