Supervised Parenting Time
Defenders of Children is one of the Maricopa County Family Court’s frequently ordered parenting time supervision facilities. We take great pride in this service, try to make each parent and every child who utilizes our services to feel comfortable. We know these cases are never easy, and we are sensitive to the array of qualms parents may have about the first visit. We offer trained, specialized, educated, professional parenting time professionals, who are all wonderful with children of all ages. Our visitation room offers a warm, fun play area for kids, with toys, books, a computer, and more, to help supervised parents attempt to re-connect with their children in a healthy, safe, supervised environment.
We will provide off-site visits (usually at a parent’s home, restaurant, kids’ museum, etc.) IF the parents agree, on a case by case basis. Regular supervision is $75/hour, and therapeutic supervision is $100/hour. The payment form can be found at the bottom of this page. Your court order will normally identify which level of service the judge in your case believes is appropriate.
What Our Clients Say
Defenders really helped me get through the anxiety-producing time of being court-ordered to pay to see my kids with a supervisor watching me the whole time. I definitely had my guard up with them, but came to realize they weren’t on either parent’s side, they were just there to keep my kids safe and facilitate our relationship. They were patient, totally unbiased, were wonderful with the kids. I know I have work to do as a dad, but this agency allowed me to learn and grow.
Bringing my kids to a court-ordered agency to see their estranged father after 16 months was…terrifying. My kids didn’t want to go and I felt like I was forcing them so I wouldn’t be in contempt with my family court case. Defenders’ staff and supervisors made them feel so much more comfortable with why they were there and that they would be safe if they were scared to be with their father. We had (previously) been with 3 other supervisors who didn’t go this extra mile. I am grateful.
This agency truly has best interests of the child in mind. Custody battles are never easy – for all parties involved- but we got through it, all because of Defenders of Children. They had such a willingness to not give up or quit on us, even as conflicts arose. This agency truly cares and their director even gave so much of their personal time to help navigate us. Not only did this make for a peaceful transitional period but it put as little stress and tension on the child as possible. If you need peace of mind, this is the agency to go to!
Supervised parenting time should be viewed as an opportunity to re-connect and have fun with your kids, despite the tough custody dispute you may find yourself in. By making the most of supervised visits, you can show the Court, your co-parent, and most importantly your child that you will do whatever you have to do to regain their trust and earn their love. Please call us at (602) 710-1903 for more information, or start by filling out the “Supervised Parenting Time Intake Form” which can be found under the “Forms” tab.
Therapeutically Supervised Parenting Time
While basic Supervised Parenting Time consists of unbiased, third party observing and reporting, therapeutic supervised visitation goes deeper. Highly-trained, professional supervisors are able to intervene and help correct negative behaviors, while teaching parents more appropriate parenting skills. Therapeutic supervised visitations, unlike reunification therapy, does not assist in the long term goal of achieving a healthy relationship between the non-custodial parent and the child. Supervised visits are normally a short-term practice. Our team of graduate-level counselors and clinicians who monitor these visits are forensically trained professionals who follow strict guidelines and are comfortable offering guidance, based on their observations. By having mental health professionals supervise visitations, they will be able to assist in identifying and attempting to correct any issues that may prevent the parent from having a healthy and productive relationship with their child.
You Have Questions? We Have Answers!
Do you supervise on holidays, evenings and weekends?
What if I don’t have transportation?
What are your hours of operation?
What makes you different from other providers in Arizona?
In most cases, other providers require that you come to them – whether it is for an exchange or for an entire parenting time session. We come to you at times and places that work for both parents and the child. Other providers often do not provide supervision during evenings, weekends and holidays. We saw a need in this community to have supervisors available at times when parents are not primarily working. We provide observational, unbiased, factual reports to both parents after each supervised parenting time session. Our supervisors care that all parties know their child is in a safe, conflict-free environment.
Do your supervisors travel out of the Phoenix metropolitan area?
Do you work with the Courts and/or attorneys?
Where does my parenting time take place?
How do I get started?
Simply pick up the telephone and call (602) 710-1903 and ask to speak with Liz. She will provide you with all the details you need to know about how to get started.