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The Supervised Visitation Center (SVC) is a court-operated facility that offers a neutral location for non-custodial parents to have supervised visitation with their children. It serves as a third-party mediator in cases of domestic violence or custody disputes and acts as a "last resort" for those unable to agree on visitation arrangements. The SVC is committed to protecting the safety of children and custodial parents while preserving the visitation rights of non-custodial parents.
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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