About Supervision of Parenting Time
Thalia Ferenc, MSW, CSW, MA
Neutrality of Supervisor
The Supervisor maintains a stance of neutrality between the Custodial and Non-custodial parents. This is intended to convey respect for the important role each parent plays in his or her children*s lives. It is also intended to make the Supervisor a safe person in a safe place for the children, where contact with the Non-custodial parent involves as little conflict of loyalty for the children as possible. It does NOT mean that the Supervisor accepts or condones prior or current behavior that has been abusive or harmful. The Supervisor*s decisions and conduct are focused on the best interests of the child, not on pleasing either parent.
Communication
Both parents shall sign a release of information authorization which permits the Supervisor to provide information about the parenting time, any other observations, suggestions or recommendations to the Court, Friend of the Court, both parent*s attorneys, any guardian ad litem for the children, and both parents. Please note: there will not be any secrets between either parent and the Supervisor that cannot be shared with those listed above. If desired, an additional release form for the child*s therapist may permit this exchange of information also. The Supervisor is required by law to report any information about child abuse or neglect to the county Children*s Protective Services office. Other than such authorized releases of information, confidentiality about the supervised parenting time will be observed.
Procedures for Arrival and Departure of Clients
The Non-custodial parent should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled parenting time and go directly to either the room assigned by the Supervisor for waiting or to the upstairs hallway, where a chair is provided, according to whichever area is not already in use. The Custodial parent should arrive on time with the child and wait in the main floor waiting area. The Custodial parent will say goodbye to the child in this room when the Supervisor arrives to escort the child to the visitation room. At the end of the Parenting Time, the Supervisor will bring the child to the main floor waiting room so that the Custodial parent may take him or her home. If the Custodial parent will be leaving the Octagon House during the visit, provision should be made to tell the Supervisor how to reach them in case of an emergency. Custodial parents should plan on leaving the house promptly after the session is completed, as the Noncustodial parent will not be leaving until they are gone.
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