SUPERVISED VISITATION
Providing opportunities for families to have a safe and conflict-free interaction. Family Solutions Inc prides itself on integrity, ethical behavior, respect, and excellent service.
WHAT IS SUPERVISED VISITATION?
Supervised visitation requires that a third party be present during a parent’s time with his or her children. The idea is to serve as a safe contact and as an independent third party witness to facilitate appropriate interaction during the visitation and/or exchanges of the visiting parent and the child. The monitor observes how the children and parents interact, and insures that the interactions are safe, appropriate, and tries to foster a natural relationship between the parents and their children. In some situations, the presence of a third party is required only at the time the child is transferred from one parent to another. This is referred to as Supervised Transfer or Supervised Drop Off and Pick Up. In other situations, telephone monitoring may be requested.
It is the hope of Family Solutions Inc that no one will look upon supervised visitation or exchanges as a negative or denouncing service. It is a tool that can assist families through difficult and or transitional times.
WHY IS SUPERVISED VISITATION IMPORTANT?
Family Solutions Inc believes that unless special circumstances exist, children generally fair best when they have the emotional support and ongoing involvement of both parents. Ongoing parental involvement fosters positive parent-child relationships and healthy emotional and social development. It benefits parents in that it is more likely that the parents will have positive relationships with their children when the children become adults.
HOW IS SUPERVISION SET UP?
A judge may order supervised visitation when unsupervised contact may endanger the mental or physical well-being of the child/children. The judge may also require supervision if the visiting parent has had little or no contact with the child/children. Parents may agree that supervision would be appropriate for the sake of the child/children.
Once the determination has been made that Supervised Visitation is required parents make arrangements with Family Solutions Inc. If a court order has been issued then the arrangements must be made in strict accordance with the court order. FSI also provides guidelines in conjunction with any and all court orders. Family Solutions Inc provides an informational worksheet and guidelines that must be strictly followed by all participants. The documents can be found here and must be completed prior to any visitation. All court documents that are relevant to the visitation or exchange must be tendered to FSI prior to any services. The length of the visitation shall be determined by the courts, and/or the parents, prior to the scheduled visitation. If any suggestions or genuine concerns about the child’s emotional or physical safety exist with a parent or family member, the visitation will cease.
For detailed information on policies, procedures and our rates please contact us.
RESIDENT PARENTS
You do not have to communicate or have contact with a person with whom you are in conflict with or be possibly frightened by. The arrangements can be made by a neutral party (FSI) and there does not have to be contact before, during or after the visits. You can relax and feel comfortable allowing your child/children to have contact with the other parent and can get some valuable time to yourself.
VISITING PARENTS
You can be sure that your contact with your child/children will not be interrupted regardless of any personal or interpersonal problems that you may be having. If allegations have been made against you, (which often is the case when supervision is ordered), you can visit without fear of any new accusations because there is someone present who can verify what happens during your time together. When using Family Solutions Inc, you can also be assured that the monitor is objective and neutral to your situation.
Most likely there is nothing to prohibit you from using a “non-professional” relative, friend, or acquaintance. Many court orders may allow that as an option provided that both parents can agree on whom to use. That often may not work for the following reasons:
First and foremost is the difficulty in finding someone with whom you both agree to use. If you are having sufficient conflict that supervision was deemed necessary, chances are slight you will be able to find an individual that both parents will trust and feel comfortable with.
Secondly, it puts a strain on friendships. Many well-meaning friends and relatives will agree to provide the service but may quickly tire of the regular commitment and /or being in the middle of your conflicts. It is difficult for friends and relatives to restrain from taking sides. Once impartiality has been compromised, the credibility of the monitor will come into question, and much of the feeling of security and safety will be lost. And finally, it may actually detract from the quality that the parent and child/children have together.
We look forward to working with you.
Please contact us for detailed information on policies, procedures and our rates.
P: (630) 474-4084
F: (866) 227-6894
P.O. Box 543
Downers Grove, IL 60515
PLEASE NOTE
The objectives of Family Solutions Inc. are to provide an independent third party witness and facilitate appropriate interaction during the supervised visitation.
The monitor will only convey information between parents regarding the child/children’s medical needs, unique observations or any negative conduct during the visit.
Children will not be forced to make or complete a supervised visitation.
The resident and visiting parent are required to meet the needs of the child/children during visitation times (i.e., diaper bag, food, changes of clothes, toys, etc.).
The Guidelines & Agreement form and the informational worksheet must be completed and signed by both parties involved prior to scheduling supervised visitation. All relevant court orders must be tendered prior to the first visit. All information provided to Family Solutions Inc must remain current and up-dated as needed.
Except for late cancellations and emergencies, calls to Family Solutions Inc. should be made Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Final scheduling decisions are dictated by the availability of Family Solutions Inc.
Family Solutions Inc. does not serve as security guards. If any situation arises that may create an imminent threat or involve any criminal behavior, the monitor(s) will contact local law enforcement authorities for intervention.