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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
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1. The Supervised Visitation Center Courtney Hall, MSW
Program Coordinator
D.C. Superior Court Supervised Visitation Center
2. 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
3. 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
4. Program Services Supervised Visitation
Neutral Drop-off and Pick-up
Child Advocacy
Court Testimony
Referrals for Services
Recommendations for Service and Treatment
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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