Serving Northern & Central New Jersey and NYC | Se habla Español
973-440-9973
What is supervised parenting time?
Divorce is hard on kids.
In the U.S. over 50% of marriages end in divorce. Each year over 1 million children are affected by the divorce of their parents. Courts generally prefer children spend equal time with both of their parents, however if the safety and wellbeing of a child is of concern, a judge may determine supervised parenting time is necessary.
Family courts try to protect the best interests of the child from any physical, mental or emotional danger by the parent.
If a parent’s behavior indicates possible child abuse, mental disability, or drug or alcohol addiction, the court can decide parenting time must be supervised.The length of time required for supervision varies.
When supervised parenting time is required, a monitor is to be present during the entire time a child and parent are together. The monitor observes the behaviors and interactions of the parent with the child and intervenes, if necessary, to ensure the child's psychological and physical safety. While some people attempt to use a family member or friend as a monitor, it becomes quickly obvious that bias can be a significant factor.
Supervision Monitors provides trained, professional monitors who understand children's needs and the requirements of the court. We facilitate in home and in community visits in northern New Jersey and NYC. We are not a visitation center. We believe that the more natural the environment, the better it is for children and the more accurately the time together reflects real life relationships. Following each visit, monitors provide detailed documentation which is often used at court hearings to inform the ongoing custody plan.
We also provide monitored video calls anywhere in the United States. We recognize the pandemic has made it much more difficult for parents to spend time with their children and monitored calls are a good alternative.
Face-to-Face Visits
At Supervision Monitors we understand the importance of parenting time.
Our monitors assure parenting time is comfortable, safe and non-threatening to the child. We approach each visit with the child's well-being as our central goal.
The monitor is present at all times during the visit to observe the activities and interactions between parent and child. Visits can occur in the home or in the community. Our monitors abide by COVID-19 precautions. The non-custodial parent must agree to our visit guidelines at all times. In addition, our guidelines can also be tailored to the needs of your family.
Monitors will intervene if the interaction between parent and child becomes a concern. The parent will be instructed about what needs to change for the visit to continue. In rare circumstances, the monitor may end the visit if there are safety concerns.
We provide detailed documentation of each visit which is often used in court hearings. If called upon, our monitors do testify in court.
Video Calls
Due to the pandemic, many parents that require supervision have not been able to see their child. We now offer video call monitoring anywhere in the U.S..
The parent and child log into our dedicated Zoom account where our monitors observe and document the topics of conversation and the interactions between the parent and the child. There are guidelines that must be followed. Documentation of the calls are provided along with the audio recording. Video calls are a good way for parents to stay connected and involved with their child.
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SERVICES
Face-to-Face Visits
At Supervision Monitors we understand the importance of parenting time.
Our monitors assure parenting time is comfortable, safe and non-threatening to the child. We approach each visit with the child's well-being as our central goal.
The monitor is present at all times during the visit to observe the activities and interactions between parent and child.
Visits can occur in the home or in the community. Our monitors abide by COVID-19 precautions and we require that parents practice social distancing at all times. The non-custodial parent must abide by our visit guidelines at all times. Our guidelines can also be tailored to meet the needs of your family.
Monitors will intervene if the interactions of the parent become a concern. The parent will be instructed on what needs to change for the visit to continue. We always reserve the right to end the visit.
We provide detailed documentation of each visit which is often used in court hearings.
Video Calls
Due to the pandemic, many parents who require supervision have not been able to see their child. We now offer video call monitoring anywhere in the U.S.
The parent and child log into our dedicated Zoom account where our monitors observe and document the topics of conversation and the interactions between the parent and the child. As with face-to-face visits, guidelines must be followed.
Documentation of the calls is provided. Video calls are a good way for parents to stay connected and involved with their child.
Children & Supervision
Children from divorced families
may experience emotional
problems such as difficulty
adjusting to change, loss of
interest in social activities,
feelings of guilt, depression and anxiety. They may also develop behavioral problems.
In situations where supervised parenting time is in place,
children are often confused and
need reassurance.
Both parents play a major role
in how their child will adjust to
the supervision. Providing a
simple, age appropriate
explanation as to why a monitor
will be present during parenting
time is critical. Explaining that a trusted adult will be with them on their visits is important.
Documentation
During the supervised visit,
the monitor is always able to
see and hear the child and
parent. Much information
can be gathered through observation. All interactions
are documented in detail
including any redirection a
parent may have required
for not following the visit
guidelines.
The documentation of the
visit is critical. Being able to accurately report the
activities and interactions
during the visit in a neutral
and unbiased manner is the
only way the courts will gain
an understanding of the
parenting time.
Imagine the impact of a
poorly documented visit.
Our monitors will appear in
court, if required. However,
we do not make any recommendations to the
court regarding custody.
Our Monitors
We select our monitors based on their professional experience and accomplishments. We know that expertise in working with children and families and the ability to observe and objectively document parent/child interactions, are critical in being able to provide excellent services.
Their academic backgrounds are in fields such as Social Work, Psychology and Education and all monitors receive ongoing training and supervision with senior staff. All monitors are background checked.
Meet our Team
Vanessa
Lori
Amanda
Delilah
Nyla
Anita
Takeema
Miss
Deneen
Essence
Damaris
Lili
Ashley
Aliou
Marianne
Working with us
We pride ourselves on customer service excellence. Each monitor has a supervisor that is readily available if you have questions or concerns. We are easy to reach and quick to respond.
Please contact us via phone or email and we will review our services and answer any questions. We know that understanding the role of the monitor and what to expect at the visit is essential. We also routinely speak with attorneys.
Before the first visit, we will forward paperwork via email that must be completed. All face-to-face visits for parenting time must be at least 2 hours in duration. We do ask for a one week notice to schedule a monitor but if you need someone sooner, contact us and we'll make every effort to meet your scheduling needs. Video calls must be at least 1 hour in duration.
You can reach us at 973-440-9973 or at info@supervisionmonitors.com.
Lori
Working with your attorney
Please inform your attorney that you are working with Supervision Monitors. In our experience attorneys often have additional questions and we are prompt in responding to their calls. We understand time is of the essence when it comes to children.
The development and implementation of the parenting time plan is the responsibility of the parents in conjunction with their attorneys and the court. We are not parenting time coordinators and require that details regarding the time and place of visits be agreed upon by both parents prior to working with us.
COVID-19
Our monitors follow COVID-19 regulations as defined by the CDC.
