Child custody can take many shapes and forms. “Supervised Custody” or supervised visitation is, exactly as the name indicates, custodial time with a child in the presence of a neutral 3rd party who monitors the visitation process. Dependent on the terms of a Custody Order, the supervisor may be a family member, a friend, or a neutral third party/company. The Court’s number one priority is the best interest and safety of the child, which often requires supervised visitation to fulfill.  


If the law requires or the Court orders supervised visitation, it can be a challenging situation for both parents. For the visiting parent, it can be difficult or uncomfortable being with their child in the presence of someone else, especially at the beginning. For the custodial parent, it can be difficult to leave your child with the non-custodial parent and to disrupt your child’s normal routine. However, supervised visitation done properly can be a good experience for all parties, most importantly your children, and allow the child to develop or continue to develop relationships with both parents.  



If supervised visitation is required by law or pursuant to a Court order, a proper supervisor must be chosen either by the Courts or by agreement of the parties to the custody proceeding. It is imperative that the supervisor chosen has the necessary clearances and understands the process. Generally, the visitation may occur at a residence or at a designated meeting place, where the supervisor will be present for the duration of the visit to monitor the process. The non-custodial parent will normally arrive first and meet with the individual who shall provide supervision. The custodial parent will then arrive with the child and allow the visitation to begin.
 
At the end of the visit, the supervisor will ensure that the child is returned to the custodial parent and the visit will end. Each specific situation may have its own nuances, but the general framework of supervised visitation shall be predominately the same. Supervised visitation works for a limited period until the issue is remedied. If the court is convinced that the parent has demonstrated their capabilities in providing a safe environment for the child, then such an order of supervised visitation can be vacated or modified.



Pursuant to recently passed legislation known as “Kayden’s Law”, Supervised visitation is mandated in any situations where there is a parent with a history of abuse against a household member (no matter how old). Additionally, if after an evidentiary hearing, the Court finds an ongoing risk of abuse, supervised visitation shall be required. Finally, supervised visitation may be ordered in other situations when the court finds it may be harmful for the child(ren) to spend time alone with the non-custodial parent. In other words, small disagreements on the parents’ side do not result in supervised visitation. Therefore, supervised visitation is/may be necessary when; 

• Domestic physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of a parent by the other parent
• Domestic physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of the child by the parent
• The parent has a mental illness that may pose a threat to the child’s safety
• The parent has not been in the child’s life and wants to enter the child’s life
• The parent has displayed signs of harmful behavior, such as drug or alcohol addiction
• The child does not want to see the parent because they feel endangered
• The parent has neglected the child as a mental illness that may pose a threat to the child’s safety
• The parent has not been in the child’s life and wants to enter the child’s life
• The parent has displayed signs of harmful behavior, such as drug or alcohol addiction
• The child does not want to see the parent because they feel endangered
• The parent has neglected the child.

Safe Supervision is able to provide third-party supervisors who understand the process in Western PA. Our supervisors have all applicable clearances and are available to assist in the supervision process. Our caring staff members are read to assist you today.  


Safe Supervision also provide services to assist in the exchange of property between spouses. Often in cases of conflict, it is necessary for one or both parties to retain the services of a neutral third-party to assist in the exchange of personal property. These types of exchanges can be highly volatile, and lead to instigation by one party against the other, resulting in needless litigation and potential for abuse. 

By utilizing a professional third-party, you can ensure that no false allegations are raised against you relative to the taking of property, abusive comments, or improper actions. Additionally, our professionals can take photographs of the property that is removed along with itemized lists to ensure that both parties, their attorneys, and the Court is aware of matters affecting asset division.