Supervised Visitation and Supervised Therapeutic Visitation:

Goals of Supervised Therapeutic Visitation (S.T.V.):

To create a collaborative relationship in which there is a power differential in that one individual is the supervisor (a mental health professional) and another individual is the supervisee (a parent or parental figure) who is currently alienated or separated from a child or children.

For the Supervisor to remain a neutral party who supervises the visits and assists the non-custodial parent to reengage in the parent-child relationship and improve parenting skills so that the child(ren) benefit as much as possible from the experience while contact is interrupted by court process. All parties also explicitly recognize that STVs are not a substitute for psychotherapy for either the child(ren) and/or the non-custodial parent.

To create a positive and relaxed environment and a safe and positive experience for the child(ren). To ensure that the child(ren)are free from unnecessary stress. The emotional and physical welfare of the child(ren) is the principal concern of the visitations. The visit is to benefit the child(ren) and not expose them to harm or danger.

While supervising these sessions, the supervisor is required to be physically present at all times during each visit. (the parent is NOT allowed to accompany the child(ren) to the bathroom). The supervisor is required to be actively aware of what is happening during sessions and within the family relationship, and provide opportunities to improve parenting skills and reestablishing healthy and safe relationships for the child(ren).

To pay close attention to the child(ren)’s behavior and emotions, assist in the transition to different family structures, while providing for the safety of the child(ren). The supervisor may elect to contact appropriate authorities to aid in the safety of theses sessions, including contacting 911. The supervisor may also elect to interrupt the session and call the custodial parent for an early pick up, if, in the judgment of the supervisor, the child(ren) safety is in question.

To provide appropriate legal entities for the child(ren) and other treatment professionals with supplemental information for visitation and treatment planning. The supervisor will comply with the directives from the court order(s) provided. The supervisor also reserves the right to refuse to accept or continue working with a case in which the safety needs and risks presented by the family cannot be managed.

Before the first visit is scheduled the supervisor or assigned clinical staff will meet for individual intake sessions and interviews with all parties involved. Custodial and non-custodial parent, legal guardians, and child(ren) to review history that necessitates STV and review and complete any paperwork necessary for the process to begin. Supervised therapeutic visitations can be difficult and uncomfortable at times. Often there are feelings of hurt and anger between the parents. Both parents should be primarily concerned with what is best for the child(ren).

All parties involved shall… ·
refrain from making derogatory or disparaging remarks about each other ·
avoid arguments and or conflicts in front of the child(ren)

Supervised therapeutic visitations are a no-conflict-zone. No emotional, physical or sexual abusive behavior will be tolerated. Physical abuse may also include pinching, pulling the child(ren), tickling too hard or playing too rough. Emotional and verbal abuse may include yelling or screaming, calling the child(ren) names, blaming or accusing the child, threatening with harm to the child loved ones, including animals, or toys and presenting frightening situations to the child like abandonment or loss of a home or a friend. Sexual abuse include touching the child inappropriately and inappropriate or suggestive language. Santa Fe Psychotherapy staff is required to report any instance of child abuse they witness or that is reported to them by the victim or perpetrator.

The child(ren) may think that the visits are being supervised because of something they did wrong. All parties are expected to explain and convey to the child(ren) that the visits are not being supervised because of anything they did wrong. Children are hyper alert to their parents’ situations and moods and are always aware of the conflict. Often children are being overburdened by being told too much and need help to establish boundaries and distance from the parents’ disputes. SFPC staff supports children presenting with these conflicting feelings and concerns. Non-custodial parents are encouraged to actively interact with the child(ren) during the visit, be on their best behavior, and make each visit a good, positive experience for the child(ren). Whispering and talking in ways that prevent SFPC’s staff from hearing and understanding is not permitted.

Specific rules for the non-custodial parent:
arrive and depart on time ·
focus on being a good parent to your child(ren) ·
do not use profanities · no smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to and during the visit ·
the visit will be interrupted at the discretion of the supervisor, if need be ·
no use of cell phone or computers during the visit ·
no weapons of any kind · do not bring guests to the visit ·
do not discuss custody, divorce or support issues ·
do not quiz your child(ren) about the other parent’s private life, activities or relationships ·
do not make your child(ren) messenger to the other parent ·
get permission from the supervisor prior to bringing cameras, or gifts to the visit ·
remember that any conflict is harmful to the child(ren)

Tips for the non-custodial parent: ·
Recognize that being with your child(ren) in the presence of someone else may be uncomfortable, but it gets easier ·
Focus on the relationship with your child(ren) ·
Do not make promises about future gifts, trips, visits or changes in custody ·
Say brief and positive goodbyes ·
Understand that your love, patience and commitment will pay off and help you have a better relationship with your child(ren) in the future.

Specific rules for the custodial parent: ·
Arrive 15 minutes prior to the visitation session ·
Be ready at the exit to pick up promptly at the end of the session, to ensure that you and the child(ren) may enter and leave without unnecessary interaction with the non-custodial parent ·
Understand that supervised therapeutic visits are a challenge for the non-custodial parent as well ·
Be aware that you have been taking care of your child(ren) and have a routine and this change in routine is upsetting to everyone. ·
Understand that STVs may feel like one more responsibility ·
Recognize that your child(ren) may ask difficult and important questions surrounding the visits and understand how they will affect your child(ren) ·
Recognize that STVs are in the best interest of your child(ren)

Tips for the custodial parent · Have the child(ren) ready on time ·
Reassure the child(ren) that you support them in having a pleasant visit with the other parent·
Do not linger to create an emotional and stressful transition ·
Do not quiz the child(ren) about the visit ·
Do not make the child(ren) messengers to the other parent

Prior to beginning STVs SFPC staff will meet with the child(ren)and provide information on: ·
Where and possibly when, the visits will take place ·
What is going to happen · How long the visit will last ·
Where the custodial parent will be ·
Any restrictions or arrangements they may need to be aware of (no gifts or cameras, etc) ·
Guidelines to ensure the child(ren) safety, including expectations around touch, which generally is only allowed when initiated by the child(ren)

Developing rituals around the visit.
In order to develop comfort, safety and familiarity with STV sessions we will work on the following rituals to be as consistent with those the child(ren) are most familiar with as possible. ·
A familiar way of greeting ·
Similar questions about how they are doing ·
A standard way of saying it is time to start the visit ·
A routine way of preparing the child(ren) for the end of the visit ·
An agreed upon signal for ending the visits, saying goodbye and leaving.

Interventions and ending a visit
When a child shows signs of distress, it may be necessary to interrupt the visit until the situation can be assessed and the custodial parent, attorneys or guardians for the child(ren), or the court makes a determination about future physical custodial rules or whether to terminate future contact.
SFPC staff will terminate the visit if the interaction between the non-custodial parent and the child(ren) have become inappropriate, rules or expectations are not followed or if the situation becomes difficult. SFPC staff will report back to the custodial parent, attorneys or guardians for the child(ren) and the court.
SFPC staff will terminate a STV at any time if any of the following occurs: ·
The child(ren) are in distress ·
A parent is not following agreed upon rules and expectations ·
The child(ren) are at risk

Changes to STV
Once visits have been successful for a period of time, the parties may agree, or the order may be revised to provide that the non-custodial parent may start exercising physical custodial time with the child(ren) without supervision. It is also possible that STV may be terminated, shortened, or rules changed if it not going well.

If it is necessary to interrupt or end a STV, SFPC staff will take the non-custodial parent aside and explain the reason for the interruption or termination and may offer ways to solve the issue in order to continue the visit. If termination or cancellation is deemed appropriate by SFPC staff all parties will be promptly notified. Reason for interruption or termination of STV are: ·
STV is becoming too stressful for the child(ren) ·
Failure to comply with rules and expectation by anyone involved ·
SFPC staff cannot adequately ensure safety ·
The non-custodial parent is unable to benefit from STV ·
The non-custodial parent is threatening in any way to any party involved including to SFPC staff or premises · Non payments of fees ·
Excessive demands placed on SFPC staff and resources

When changes to STV occur, preparing the child(ren) for these changes is important. SFPC staff will review these changes with the child(ren), both during visits with the non-custodial parent and again in the presence of the custodial parent, to keep the child(ren) aware of what is going to happen. Explaining why the change are being made is important so the child(ren) are not scared, so they do not attribute the changes to something they have done wrong, or feel betrayed by the process. Referrals to other services may be deemed appropriate at this point, such as a family therapist.

The supervisor will need releases of information to freely speak and gather information from all parties involved, including court/attorneys, therapists and other professionals, as well as other family members or school personnel.

Custodial and non-custodial parent agree that the role of the supervisor is limited to providing treatment and that the supervisor will not become involved in any legal dispute, especially a dispute concerning custody or custody arrangements. Parents also agree to instruct their attorneys not to subpoena SFPC staff or to refer in any court filing to anything SFPC staff may have said or done.

If appropriate releases are signed and a court order is provided, SFPC will provide general information about STVs which will NOT include recommendations regarding custody or custody arrangements.

This document is available in printed format upon entry and enrollment with the Supervised Therapeutic Visitation Treatment program.

Please contact us below for more detailed information.