Supervised Parenting Time Training and Monitored Exchange
(Individuals Appointed by the Courts to Provide Services)
(2.5-hour Session (1 Class)
While Child Access Centers are safe and neutral sites where divorced, separated, or never married parents can visit or arrange for an exchange of children in a safe and supportive manner, we understand that oftentimes, there are parents who prefer to have a family member or friend facilitate the services. These individuals could range from maternal or paternal grandparents, aunts, uncles or cousins. This individual could also be a close family friend. No matter who is appointed, the importance of these services does not diminish if the service is being provided privately.
In event that the court appoints such a person to facilitate these services, Children’s Rights Council offers a 2,5 hours Training Session to teach these persons how to properly facilitate supervised parenting time and how to properly monitor an exchange, while remaining neutral and putting the child’s safety and best interest first.
The safety and best interest of the child should always be the primary consideration. In this training, individuals will learn the importance of the service they have elected to oversee and understand the trust placed in them by the parents and the courts. Regardless of their relationship with the parents, the child’s best interest must be put first.
It is important that the person understands the importance of their role, remain neutral and abide strictly by the court order, not by feelings or past actions by either party; not to judge but to be a positive contributor in enabling the child to be a part of both parents’ lives.
Appointed Individuals Should Always:
- Protect the personal safety of the children and parents
- Support the rights of children and both parents
- Respect family dignity and cultural values
Most of all:
- Deliver fair and impartial Service
In this training, Individuals will learn:
- The do’s and don’ts of supervised parenting time and monitored exchange
- To become familiar with the court order
- Attributes needed to provide these services effectively
- How to supervise and monitor effectively
- Safety Practices (knowing when it is appropriate to end a visit, indications of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol)
- The importance of Impartiality; Fairness and Consistence
- Their duties during a visit / exchange
- Their duties at the arrival and departure of the family
- The importance of confidentiality
- To ensure only court appointed person(s) visit with the child or children at the court appointed location
- The court order is followed – no exceptions!
- To be sensitive but remain neutral
- How to properly document the visitation for the courts
- The goals for a successful visit and exchange
Dates, Times and location of Training: TBD