This month we went to the Texas Family Law BAR conference and in the next couple of months there are more to come.

A subject that always comes up is Where is the facility? Not every city can have a facility that is within a reasonable distance of the parties that need it.  Also costs of a commercial space is very high. We can’t all be as lucky as the Denton Bar that has a designated children’s visiting playroom.  So, what do we at Angels Monitoring do?   We get to know our communities and where parents can safely visit in the community.  There are certain libraries that even have armed security and private rooms, or maybe a chuck e Cheese or indoor playground. Of course, there are parks and temporary office space we can rent and even can do an in-home inspection (which is great for infant visits). Any way you look at it, there are alternatives to a facility.  What really matters is the companies Safety procedures and training of monitors.

From the manual at Angels Monitoring:

(g) Safety and security procedures

All providers must make every reasonable effort to assure the safety and welfare of the child and adults during the visitation. Professional providers go over this procedure in an intake before all visits start.  The parties sign that policy, and it becomes a contract of service. A report of any written records of allegations of domestic violence or abuse; and protective orders as well as an account of the child’s health needs if the child has a chronic health condition.

(1)   written procedures that must be followed in the event a child is abducted during supervised visitation include getting drivers licenses, new addresses and all make and model of cars with license plates of Monitored parent.

(2)   Establish and state in writing minimum security procedures and inform the parties of these procedures before the commencement of supervised visitation; The agency shall collect all information and court order as to why the party is monitored. A clear reason of referral is needed for services.

Monitors are trained in these safety procedures, are CPR certified as well as when to call 911.

1. The Non-custodial parent will arrive where the agency tells them too and at the time of the scheduled visit and will be required to leave the area immediately after a visit has been completed.
2. Parents and/or designees must avoid each other at all times during the visitation.
3. Monitors are in eyesight and earshot of monitored parent at all times.
4. Professional Providers will only exchange information regarding the child(ren)’s medical needs (i.e. medications, dietary needs) or visitation arrangements.
5. Parents must not share detailed court information or court documents with the child(ren) or make promises to the child(ren) about future living arrangements, time sharing, or visitation modifications. Discussions and activities should focus on the present so as to avoid added pressure and/or disappointment of the child(ren). Exceptions are a) school activities or b) school sports.
6. Parents WILL NOT speak negatively about each other in front of the child(ren).
7. Parents must not question the child(ren) about the other parent’s whereabouts or activities such as where they live, work, school they attend, significant other etc.
8. Visits will be cancelled if a parent is suspected of using any illegal substances or drinking alcohol before on these visits.
9. Parents and children must speak English during the supervised visit unless there is a translator.

There is never a guarantee something won’t happen but our monitors are taught to trust their instincts and most of them have extensive prior experience as a social worker, Child protective services, Teacher, police officer, parole officer, preschool teachers and other child related fields.  Some are just parents with life experience.  We go over scenarios and difficult cases and they always have the office and experience of all of us at Angels Monitoring behind them when they are out in the field.