Choosing a Supervised Visitation Monitor

How Do I Choose a Professional Supervised Visitation Monitor?

Your court order, lawyer, or Family Court Services office will probably give you information about supervised visitation services and a list of supervised visitation monitors in your area.

If you didn't get a list or you want help to choose a monitor, here are some things to think about before choosing a monitor. Look at:

  • the supervised visitation monitor's compliance with Standard 5.20 of the California Standards of Judicial Administration;
  • the monitor's compliance with training and education requirements;
  • the level of staff experience and expertise;
  • child abuse and criminal background (fingerprinting) clearance for staff; and
  • the supervised visitation monitor's reputation and good standing with their professional association, the court, and the community.

Also, you will have an in person meeting with the supervised visitation monitor. Make a list of questions you have for the monitor and make sure you understand what services will be provided and what is expected of you. When you interview the monitor in person, discuss the monitor's policies and procedures, like:

  • fees and method of payment,
  • safety and security measures,
  • program conditions and guidelines,
  • hours of operation, and
  • reasons for interrupting or ending a visit, and
  • termination process.

If there are concerns about domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, or sexual abuse, choose a supervised visitation monitor who has been trained in these issues, and clearly understands the specialized knowledge and skills required for these types of cases. The use of a non-professional monitor in these cases is not recommended.

To review the qualifications and guidelines that the provider must follow, click here.

You will also be asked to sign an agreement that you will follow and adhere to the program's terms and conditions for service. If you would like to review the qualifications and guidelines that the supervised visitation monitor must follow, the monitor will give you a copy of the Uniform Standards of Practice for Providers of Supervised Visitation.