Supervised Visits

What is Supervised Time?

 When parties separate, there may be good reasons for the children to live with one parent and spend supervised time with the other parent, at least for a period of time. This usually occurs, when there is a concern about the other (supervised) parent’s ability to appropriately care for the children (physically and/or emotionally).

Supervision can be undertaken by a trusted relative/adult, an independent person, or a paid person (from an accredited organisation that provides supervision services).

When are Supervised Visits Appropriate?

There are many reasons why supervision may be appropriate. For example:

1. If there are risks to the child in spending unsupervised time. 

The risks may be alleged and not proven or may be proven, depending on the family’s circumstances and the stage of their case. Some risk factors include:

1. Drug misuse;
2. Alcohol misuse;
3. Violence; or
4. Mental health issues.

2. If the child has not spent time with that person for some time.

The child may feel more comfortable with a third-party present, to help rebuild a relationship.

3. If it may be helpful to the parents to have an independent person (supervisor) report back to them on how the visit went, including how the child coped and what happened during the visit.

This can be helpful where the parents cannot agree on how the child would/is coping with the visits, or if one parent has concerns about the visit. The supervisor can provide a report (usually written) to each parent, to paint a picture of how the visit went.

Supervised Visits can be Organised:

1. With an agreed person as supervisor (for example, a family member or friend as agreed between the parents);
2. At a private supervised visitation service; or
3. At a public supervised visitation service, such as Relationships Australia.

If you consider supervised visits may be appropriate in your circumstances, our Family Law team can assist you with advice on this, and help you to organise visits.