Supervised visitation refers to a type of child visitation where a third party oversees the interaction between a parent and their child. In Ohio, courts order supervised visitation when concerns arise about a parent’s ability to provide a safe environment for the child. This arrangement ensures the child’s safety while allowing a relationship to develop with the non-custodial parent.
Why supervised visitation might be ordered
Ohio courts order supervised visitation for several reasons, including concerns about abuse, neglect, or substance abuse. If a parent has a history of violent behavior, criminal activity, or substance abuse, the court may believe unsupervised visits could pose a risk to the child. Supervised visitation ensures the child remains safe while allowing the non-custodial parent to maintain a relationship.
Who supervises the visitation?
In Ohio, various people can monitor supervised visits. This could include a professional, like a social worker, or a neutral family member or friend trusted by both parents. Sometimes, visitation centers provide trained staff to oversee visits. These centers create a safe space for both the parent and child, ensuring the visit remains positive and free from potential harm.
Duration and frequency of supervised visits
The court typically determines the length and frequency of supervised visitation. When making these decisions, the court prioritizes the best interests of the child. In many cases, supervised visits begin with shorter periods and may gradually increase in duration if the parent demonstrates responsible behavior and addresses the issues that led to the supervision order.
Supervised visitation does not aim to punish the parent. Instead, it offers a safe environment for the child while allowing the parent to demonstrate responsibility. Parents may also need to complete parenting classes or attend counseling sessions before transitioning to unsupervised visitation.