Mosaic:  Supervised Visit Program

Our Mosaic program is designed to support families in maintaining or rebuilding their relationships through visitation services. We want to provide children the opportunity to visit with the non-custodial guardians or significant family members. While we want to protect the well being of the child, we also want to honor the relationship that they have with their families.  By having supervised visits, it allows the families to start building or rebuilding their attachments, while the interactions are being observed in a neutral environment.  Our Mosiac program offers a child-friendly space with trained objective professional – providing an environment that is free of conflict between custodial and non-residential parents or guardians or family members.

Supervised visitation refers to contact between a non-custodial parent or family member and one or more children in the presence of a third person (the visitation monitor) who is responsible for observing maintaining the emotional & physical safety of the child(ren). While there may be many allegations made between parents in custody litigation, our focus is ensuring that children can have safe and positive contact with their parent.

The following are reasons why visits might be might need to be supervised:

  • Violence or physical endangerment,  i.e., if there is a history of child abuse or even threatened physical violence.
  • Substance use or alcohol abuse, due to their condition at times they are unable to use appropriate language, drive, etc.
  • Long term incarceration
  • Mental Illness in the adult that prevents them from taking care of the child full time
  • Child’s wish or request, this depends on age and maturity, mostly granted to older teenagers
  • Parent or family member has been “absent” for many months, or even years

 

 

Process to setting up Supervised Visits:

  • Referral is made to our office.  (Childrens Division, GAL, Judge – directly, Custodial Guardian)
  • Intake paperwork and supporting documents are either mailed or hand delivered to our office.  Items needed before an intake appointment can be scheduled:
    • Mosaic Intake Packet
    • Drivers licence or passport
    • Copy of Court order or request for supervised visits
    • Copy of Protective Order (if there is one)
    • Recent picture of the child(ren)
    • Recent picture of the non-custodial parent or family member
    • Recent picture of custodial guardian
  • Once intake paperwork is reviewed, if a referral is accepted, a supervisor is assigned.
  • An intake is scheduled with the non-custodial parent/family member to go over guidelines, payment and questions. A second intake is scheduled with the custodial parent/guardian.  Intakes with both parties are required.
  • Regular, reoccurring visits are scheduled, to prevent miscommunication of “when the next visit is”
    • Twice a week
    • Once a week
    • Every other week
    • Monthly
  • Visits occur
  • Visit summaries are sent directly to Judge, GAL, Caseworker or CASA

 

 

During the intake appointment, fees are discussed and determined who will be paying them, and when they will be paid.  Generally, payment is due prior to appointment to ensure that we are considerate to the children involved, in case a visit needs to be cancelled.    The fee must be paid in cash or credit/debit card, in advance before the visit.

Fees:

Intake fee:  $85 for each intake

On-site (or virtual) Supervised Visit:   $55/hr
– Additional child add $5/hr
– Requirements: Do not have to be a licensed therapist, bachelor level is ok, or masters level is unlicensed.
– Less involvement from the supervisor

On-site (or virtual) Therapeutic Supervised Visit:   $85/hr
– Additional child add $5/hr
– Requirements: Has to be a Masters level unlicenced, PLPC, LPC, LMSW, LCSW or PHD
– More involvement/insight from the supervisor

Visit Summaries can be sent, free of charge, to the court, GAL or Caseworker once.  No reports are created or court appearances/testimony provided since available since everything is in the visit summary. 

Late Cancellation within 48 hrs  / No Show Policy:  A 48-hour cancellation notice is required. The canceling or no-show party is responsible for the entire fee for the canceled visit. The payment must be paid prior to the start of the next scheduled visit.

 

 

 

As mentioned, to begin using supervised visits, it’s important that an intake appointment is scheduled with our office.  Tips for a successful intake appointment:

  • Arrive on time – it’s important that the intake appointments begin on time and end on time.
  • Cell phones and other electronics will not be allowed in. Please keep them in the car or cooperate when asked to place them in the basket by the door.
  • The intake is about YOU, not the “other” parent or family member.  Please do not ask about them, or talk about them, lets focus on YOU and YOUR visit!
  • Read the court order or report, before coming.  Important to be aware of expectations and guidelines the court has set forth for you.
  • Bring all documents. Unable to have appointment with missing documents.

 

 

During Intake & Orientation, topics to be discussed are:

  • Introductions to professional working with client
  • Reason for referral
  • Background of family
  • Discussion of client concerns
  • Safety plan
  • Medical conditions (On going or chronic) that could effect the health or safety of those participating in the visit
  • Limits of confidentiality and purpose of the “release of information” to speak with other individuals, agencies, court, etc.
  • Guidelines for visits, office policies
  • Details of what visits will look like
  • Handout for how to prepare child(ren) for upcoming visit
  • Sign service agreement

 

 

Here are a few basic guidelines, more are given to both adults at their respective intake interviews

  • Arrive on time / Depart on time
  • Follow instructions by staff or supervisors
  • No cell phones or electronic devices such as ipad, Nintendo DS, etc
  • No smoking, drinking alcohol or use of substances
  • No other guests, unless approved by courts
  • No profanity
  • No corporal punishment

Ready to set up supervised visits?

Contact us!