In California, the courts sometimes order supervised parenting time. This means a parent can only visit their child while another adult is present. The goal is to protect the child’s well-being while still allowing a relationship with both parents.
When might parenting time be supervised?
When safety is a concern
Supervised visits are often used when the court believes a child might be at risk during unsupervised time. This could be due to past abuse, neglect or domestic violence. If one parent has a history of harming the child or the other parent, the court may decide that supervision is necessary to keep the child safe.
Substance abuse or mental health issues
If a parent is struggling with substance abuse or serious mental health challenges, supervised visits may be ordered. The court may allow the parent to spend time with the child in a safe setting while they work on their recovery or treatment. This helps ensure that visits remain stable and positive for the child.
Concerns about abduction
In some cases, supervision is used when there is a risk that a parent might take the child without permission or fail to return them. If a parent has previously tried to leave the state with the child or has acted unpredictably, the court may require another adult to be present during visits.
Supervised visits can take place in a variety of settings. Sometimes a relative or friend may act as the supervisor. Other times, visits happen at a designated center with trained staff. The arrangement depends on the circumstances and what the court believes is in the child’s best interests.
Supervised parenting time is not always permanent. If a parent’s situation improves, the court may later allow unsupervised visits. For more information on this topic, it may help to seek legal guidance.