What you should know as a parent.

Looking for a Monitor Located in Los Angeles County. According to Family Code Section 3200, all providers of supervised visitation must operate their programs in compliance with the “Uniform Standards of Practice for Providers of Supervised Visitation” which can be found in the California Rules of Court, Standards of Judicial Administration, Standard 5.20. They are available: See legal page. Therefore when selecting one of the following supervised visitation monitors it is very important that you, as parents you should Become familiar with the Standards of Practice Use good judgment when selecting any monitor:

TrustLine:

Consider the value of having the monitor registered on TrustLine or cleared through a criminal background check. Trustline requires all caregivers listed on its registry to pass a background screening that qualifies them to be a child care provider. All persons listed on TrustLine have been cleared through a fingerprint check of records at the California Department of Justice and have no disqualifying criminal convictions or substantiated child abuse reports in California that would prevent them from being a child care provider.

As a monitor may be spending some time alone with your child, it is wise to select a monitor that is registered. It is your responsibility as a parent, to verify that the monitor is actually registered by calling 800-822-8490 FREE. Some agencies have the authority to do their own criminal background screening with the Department of Justice without having to go through TrustLine. Consider using a monitor that carries professional liability insurance that specifically covers supervised visitation; ask to see a copy of their policy.

Understand that a separate intake interview must be conducted with each parent and the children if age appropriate, prior to the first visit. Because of this, the first visit may not occur immediately. This is a list of private providers that charge for their services. The list below shows their fees. In addition, the Los Angeles law requires that before visitation can begin, the monitor have an intake interview with both parents/guardian. Again there is a fee for this meeting. You can view the Rules and Regulations on the Legal Page.The next step is Beginning The Process Supervised Visitation Monitor.

Visitation Monitoring:

The Court has ordered that for you to see and visit your child or children, you must have a Supervised Visitation Monitor. You’re not happy about the situation, but you want to see your kids. Supervised visitation can be difficult and uncomfortable at times. Often there are hurt and angry feelings toward the other parent, and it seems impossible to have a positive attitude about a supervised visitation. Remember that both of you care about your children, and that, if possible, children benefit from having two parents in their lives. So how do you go about obtaining a Monitor? And what are the rules. The following will provide a guide for you, it will explain the terms, rules and procedures.What is a Monitor, why do I need one and what power does the Monitor have?

A professional Monitor serves as a neutral observer

A professional Monitor serves as a neutral observer and assist in the exchange of the parents children from the Custodial Parent to the Non-Custodial Parent for the purpose of visitation.The Monitor is required because the Court has ordered that an Observer be present to ensure the safety and well being of the child or children.

Monitors are required because we specialize in handling cases involving domestic violence, child abduction, physical, verbal or child abuse, child endangerment child kidnapping, child abduction, molestation or any other highly dangerous or difficult cases. (Please note: The Monitor is not judgmental and is not there to take side.)Monitors Authority.

As a Supervised Visitation Monitor, thet are here to a period, For whatever the reason that the Court has required supervised visits, it is just that, a Court required order. We realize that there is a bit of resentment on your part, you are being required to have a Monitor (a stranger) who has control over the visits you’ll have with YOUR CHILDREN and to add insult to injury, you have to pay for it. The program is not about fairness, it’s about the protection and safety of the child or children. We are not here with preconceived notions and we are not judgmental, the court and/or attorneys involved have required that a Monitor be present. We are here as a neutral party to assist you in enjoying your children’s visit’s under the current circumstances. Let’s work together to make it as enjoyable as possible. However, there are certain requirements and rules that we both parents must follow as well as the monitor. This will ensure the safety of the children. (California Law)

MORE Off-Site Visitation Monitoring

Supervised visitation services conducted at various locations within the community. Off-site visits allow the parent and child to go to various community locations such as:

  • >> Local Park
  • >> Amusement Park
  • >> Zoo
  • >> Museum
  • >> Playground
  • >> Restaurants
  • >> Shopping Malls

Custody Exchange Monitoring - This service allows the custodial parent to take the child to a prearranged, safe and neutral location. The non-custodial parent can then pickup the child and return the child to the same neutral location once the visit is finished. The pickup times are staggered so that the parents do not have to be in contact with each other. The actual exchange of the children is monitored and documented.

TIPS FOR THE NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT

Here are some suggestions that might be helpful to you: Do your best to focus on your relationship with your child. Your patience and commitment will pay off.

  • 1. Read the court order
  • 2. Arrive and depart on time
  • 3. Avoid discussing the court case or terms of the visit with your child
  • 4. Avoid quizzing your child about the other parent’s activities and relationships
  • 5. Avoid making your child a messenger to the other party
  • 6. Say brief and positive good-byes to your child when the visit is over.
  • 7. (This is very important, as the Monitors job is to see to it that the child is returned at the
  • 8. stated time. )

TIPS FOR THE CUSTODIAL PARENT

Supervised visitation can also be a challenge for you. Typically you have been taking care of your child's everyday needs and have a routine for yourself and your family. Supervised visitation can sometimes feel like one more responsibility. Of course you also have concerns and questions about the visits and how they will affect your child. This is understandable. In difficult times you may also want to talk to a mental health professional or find a support group where you can talk about your feelings. Here are a few suggestions that might help you in the process:

  • 1. Read the Court Order / Custody Order thoroughly
  • 2. Explain to your child where and when the visits will take place
  • 3. Have your child ready on time and be prompt
  • 4. Reassure your child that you support him or her in having a pleasant visit.
  • 5. Avoid making your child a messenger to the other party
  • 6. Say brief and positive good-byes to your child when the visit is over.
  • 7. Do not make your child a messenger to the other party.

The Monitor reserves the right to end the visit if the supervised parent violates any court order or the policies during the visit. The Monitor will end the visit immediately if they feel it is in the best interest of the child.