The Supervised Visitation Center Courtney Hall, MSW Program Coordinator D.C. Superior Court Supervised Visitation Center

Supervised Visitation Center (SVC)  Court operated facility that gives non-custodial parents a place to have supervised visitation with their children  Serves as a neutral third party between individuals involved in domestic violence or custody cases  Serves as a “last resort” for individuals who cannot come to an agreement on who will monitor visitation between children and non- custodial parents  Use of the Center requires a court order

Program Objectives  To provide a neutral location for visits between non-custodial parents and children  To serve as a site for the exchange of children  To protect the safety of children and the custodial parents  To preserve the visitation rights of the non- custodial parent

Program Services  Supervised Visitation  Neutral Drop-off and Pick-up  Child Advocacy  Court Testimony  Referrals for Services  Recommendations for Service and Treatment

What Happens During Supervised Visitation?  Parties do not have the opportunity to see each other due to staggered arrival and departure times  Non-custodial parties are monitored while visiting their children  An unbiased third party monitors the visit  Visitation occurs in a secure environment

SVC Documentation  While parties are visiting, an SVC staff member completes an Observation form  This form details the behavior of the child(ren) as well as the visiting party  Records activities of visiting parties and child(ren)  Illustrates parenting skills of visiting party  Details areas of concern raised by SVC staff

Exchange Documentation  Details arrival and departure times of both parties  Records child(ren) reaction and demeanor towards visiting party  Details child(ren) appearance when leaving and returning from visit

Visitation Rules at a Glance  Parties are scheduled fifteen minutes apart  Visiting parties may not bring anyone to visit who is not included in the Court Order  Visiting parties may not bring anything with them  Visiting parties may not question or discuss Court matters with the child  If parties miss three or more consecutive visits, the judge may be notified  Custodial parties may not interfere with an ongoing visit

Children’s Rights Guidelines  SVC does not allow prolonged physical contact  Visit will be cancelled if child chooses not to visit  SVC will end the visit if the child consistently requests to leave the visit  Discussion of past visits and projections of future visitations are not allowed  Information cannot be relayed through the child