Supervised Visits are professionally monitored visits between non-custodial parents and their children in a safe and neutral environment. Each family has their own visitation room in which parents and children can interact and play. Toys, games, art supplies, and light snacks are provided for the family’s use. Visits are monitored by trained professionals who observe and document the parent and child interactions. A monitor is always present with each individual family throughout the entire visit. Monitors intervene during visits only if a child’s safety is at risk or program rules are broken. There is never any contact between the custodial guardian and non-custodial parent during Supervised Visits. Supervised Visits may occur during the week, on weekends and/or during holidays and typically range in duration from one to four hours in length. The frequency and duration of visits may be dictated by the court system or Department of Children’s Services. The Family Center is a member of a national Supervised Visitation Network and all professional staff are highly trained individuals.

Why participate?

Regardless of the quality of the parent/child relationship, most children want and need to have contact with that parent. Supervised Visits can help the child cope with separation from the visiting parent and allow the parent and child to begin to rebuild a healthy, safe, and consistent relationship. Parents often participate in Supervised Visits if they are under investigation for child maltreatment or when the court has determined that there are significant safety risks for the child during visits. A court system or the Department of Children’s Services may determine that it is necessary for visits to be supervised in order to gain information about how the parent and child interact with one another for case assessment and planning.

Supervised Visits may be court ordered or voluntarily agreed upon by both parties. Most commonly, parents have Supervised Visits with their children due to sexual, physical or emotional abuse or neglect of the children by the parent; domestic violence or intense conflict between spouses/partners; the presence of substance abuse or dependence by a parent; or a high possibility that the parent may abduct the child. Supervised Visits may also be appropriate when the child expresses concern about visiting with a parent or when the parent has had little or no contact with the child in the past.

Where are services offered?

• Visits occur at both our Nashville and Murfreesboro locations
• Visits may be scheduled on weekends or during the week
• This program operates year round and provides services during all major holidays.

How much does it cost?

• Visitations range in cost between $12 to $48 per hour depending on income.
• A sliding scale fee is available for those who qualify.
• Payments for visitations are paid in advance.
• Intakes are $48 and typically last one hour.

How do I get started?

To begin Supervised Visits, you must call The Family Center and schedule an intake appointment. Both the custodial and non-custodial guardians must complete separate intakes before beginning visits.