Supervised Visitation

The public policy of the State of Idaho is to protect the best interests of children whose parents have a custody or visitation matter within the family courts. Sometimes, based on issues of protection and safety, a judge will decide that in order for a child to have contact with a parent, a neutral third person must be present during any visitation. This type of third-person visitation arrangement is often called "supervised visitation" for many reasons, like:

To give the visiting parent a chance to address specific issues
To help reintroduce a parent after a long absence
To help introduce a parent and a child when there has been no existing relationship between the parent and child
When there is a history or allegations of domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, or substance abuse
When there are parenting concerns or mental illness
When there is a parental threat of abduction

The court order will specify the time and duration of the visits. Sometimes, the court order will also specify who the provider is to be and where the visits are to take place.

Who are Supervised Providers

There a three types of supervised visitation providers:

The non professional provider
The professional provider
The therapeutic provider

The professional and therapeutic providers usually charge a fee for services and are experienced and trained to provide supervised visitation services. The non-professional provider is usually a family member or friend who does not provide supervised visitation services. Your court order will usually say which type of provider you have to use to supervise these visits.

Find a Supervised Provider

Contact the Family Court Services office at 208-446-1179.

Tips for the Visiting Parent

Being with your child in the presence of someone else may be uncomfortable for you, at least at the beginning. You probably have many questions and concerns. Do your best to focus on your relationship with your child. Your patience and commitment will pay off. Here are some suggestions that might be helpful to you:

Read the court order
Arrive and depart on time
Avoid discussing the court case or terms of the visit with your child
Avoid quizzing your child about the other parent's activities and relationships
Avoid making your child a messenger to the other party
Say brief and positive good-byes to your child when the visit is over

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. You usually have concerns and questions about the visits and how they will affect your child. This is understandable. Here are a few suggestions that might help you in the process:

Read the court order
Explain to your child where and when the visits will take place
Have your child ready on time and be prompt
Reassure you child that you support him or her in having a pleasant visit
Avoid quizzing your child about the visit
Avoid making your child a messenger to the other party

To Both Parents

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 the supervised visitation. Remember that both of you care about your children, and that, if possible, children benefit from having two parents in their lives.

The Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure governing Supervised Visitation: Rule 16(o)