What is Supervised Visitation: What is it & How does it work?
Supervised Visitation is a service provided when a parent is only allowed to visit with their child(ren) under the supervision of another individual. This happens when a judge has made an order that a child is only to have contact with a parent when a third party is present during the visitation. This type of third-party visitation arrangement is often called supervised visitation or supervised parenting time. Supervised visitation provides a safe place for children to connect with their family.
What is Enhanced Visitation?
As families demonstrate progress toward a reunification plan, it may be determined that it would be beneficial for the family to participate in supervised visitation in their family home, although this service may also take place at an Adriel Office Location. Enhanced visitation is a combination of Adriel’s supervised visitation services and family coaching services. All supervised visitation services and family coaching services will be provided to the family.
Why is this Service Provided?
This service is provided to ensure that parents have an opportunity to maintain contact with their children in a structured environment that is both safe and comfortable for the child. Some of the children who participate in these services live in foster homes or with relatives. Some live with one parent and must have supervised visitation with the non-residential parent.
For children who are placed in out of home placement, it’s important to recognize that the goal is not to separate children from their parents beyond what is necessary for their protection and well-being. Safe reunification is what we want. But that rarely happens overnight. Most of the time, it requires some element of issue resolution, training, education, and a documented positive change in the environment that led to the placement out of their home. Our visitation program provides help for children visiting family, including supervision, documentation, and a plan for reunification.
Where is this Service Provided?
Supervised Visitation Services are provided at any of our five Adriel Office Locations (all in Ohio): Archbold, Toledo, Van Wert, West Liberty, and Westerville. We also have an additional visitation space located in Defiance, Ohio. These services may also take place at a neutral location within the community when requested and permitted or at the parents home when the family is participating in our Enhanced Visitation Services. Adriel is also able to provide monitored virtual visitation and phone calls.
When is this Service Provided?
Adriel provides supervised visitation services seven days per week including evenings and weekends.
How does it Work?
The parent and child(ren) will visit in a private, family-friendly room, monitored by a trained staff member. Our visitation rooms are filled with games, toys, books, activities, and comfortable furniture. Adriel provides a relaxed, safe, home-like atmosphere for parents and children to connect. Our spaces are set up to offer places for families to share a meal, play board games, complete homework, and to undertake an arts and craft project. Some of our offices have access to outdoor recreation areas, including outdoor play equipment and activities.
A visitation schedule is created with input from the involved parties. As progress is made, visitation frequency and length of visits may be extended.
Adriel staff are responsible for observing the interactions and ensuring the physical and emotional safety of all participants. In addition, a written report of the interactions among all participants will be completed.
Who can make a Referral?
Adriel accepts referrals from several sources including Children Services Agencies, Family and Juvenile Courts, Guardian Ad Litems (GAL’s), and Attorneys.
For more information about Supervised Visitation Services, please contact Family Preservation Manager Kaitlin Faber at 419-975-2555 or kaitlin.faber@adriel.org.
