- On Behalf of Topinka Law
- Child Custody
Supervised visitation, called supervised physical custody in Pennsylvania, allows a parent to spend time with their child while another adult observes the visit. This adult may be a trained professional or another individual with court approval. The goal of supervised visitation is to give the parent and child a chance to connect while ensuring the child’s safety. The court decides if this type of supervision is necessary. Supervised visitation can happen on a short-term or long-term basis, depending on the case.
When Do Pennsylvania Courts Order Supervised Visitation?
Pennsylvania courts order supervised visitation if they believe a child could face harm if left alone with a parent. In the past, courts based this decision only on past abuse. But under Kayden’s Law, which took effect in April 2024, Pennsylvania judges must now find an ongoing risk of abuse before they can order supervised visitation. Judges may require supervision if a parent has recent issues with violence, substance use, or neglect. The courts may also order supervised visitation for parents who have been absent from their children’s lives for a long while and need time to rebuild trust.
Who Supervises the Visits?
The court decides who supervises visits. There are two types of supervision in Pennsylvania: professional and nonprofessional.
A professional supervisor is someone trained to handle supervised visitation, like a social worker or child development expert. These visits usually take place at a center, and the supervisor might take notes or report back to the court.
A nonprofessional supervisor is a trusted adult, like a grandparent or family friend, approved by the court. Nonprofessional supervisors must follow the same rules as professional ones and must observe the entire visit.
The court chooses the type based on safety concerns and what works best for the child.
Where Do Supervised Visits Take Place?
Supervised visits can happen in different places, depending on the court’s orders. Sometimes, parents meet their children at visitation centers or agency offices. In other cases, the court allows visits in public places like parks or libraries. A judge might even approve a visit at a family member’s home if there are no safety concerns. The court chooses the location for supervised visits based on what feels safest and most comfortable for the child.
What Happens During a Supervised Visit?
During a supervised visit, the parent and child spend time together under the observation of a supervisor. The supervisor stays close and watches the whole visit. Parents might talk to their children, play games, or they might eat meals together. However, the court often sets rules for these visits. For example, parents might have orders to avoid discussing court matters, blaming the other parent, or using drugs or alcohol. The goal is to create a safe space where the child can feel calm and supported.
Cost of Supervised Visitation in Pennsylvania
Many supervised visits involve various expenses, including fees for professional supervisors and the costs of travel. In most cases, the parent who must have supervision pays. Visits with trained professionals usually cost more, but some public centers offer low-cost options or charge based on income. If parents use a trusted family member as the supervisor, they might not have to pay any fees. The court may also split costs between the parents or have the custodial parent pay if the other parent cannot afford it.
How Long Does Supervised Visitation Last?
Supervised visitation doesn’t last forever in most cases. The court may lift supervision requirements once a parent completes certain steps, like counseling, treatment, or parenting classes. The court may also review reports from supervisors to see how visits go. If a parent shows safe and respectful behavior over time, they can ask the court to switch to unsupervised visits. However, the judge will only make that change if it is in the child’s best interests.
Contact a Pennsylvania Custody Lawyer Now
Whether you’re working to protect your child’s safety or trying to rebuild your time with them, a custody lawyer at Topinka Law can help. Contact our firm for an initial consultation to talk through your options and learn more about what might come next.