Fillable Supervisor Form printable pdf download

Form O

SUPERVISOR FORM



What Am I Being Asked To Do?

You have been asked to do a very important job: to supervise visits between a parent and a child. You

have been asked because the Court has ordered supervised visitation or custody, and because the parents

feel they can trust you in ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of their child. The Court recognizes that

you are playing a very important role and has made these guidelines available to help you in making the

right decisions. In accepting this responsibility, it is clear that you care about the children and families

involved, and are willing to perform the tasks of a nonprofessional provider. Please read the following

information carefully, it will give you information you should know in order to properly do the job.



Why Has The Court Ordered Supervised Visitation or Custody?

The policy of the State of Louisiana is to promote the best interests of children whose parents, or other

interested parties, have a custody or visitation matter in family court. The first step in doing this is to

make sure the children are safe and protected. The second step is to help children have contact with each

of their parents even after a divorce, separation, or if never married. Sometimes, based on certain

circumstances, a judge will decide that in order for a child to have contact with a parent, it is better for all

concerned that a third person be present.



What Are My Responsibilities?

1) Do everything you can do to make sure that the child has a safe visit.

2) Remain Neutral. The judge understands that you may have feelings and emotions about the children,

parents, and circumstances in the case. Even if this is true, while you are supervising the visits, it is very

important that you avoid taking sides with either parent. It is also very important that you keep your

opinions about any aspect of the case to yourself, and do not discuss them with either parent.

3) Read the Court Order. You must read the parts of the court order that refer to supervised visitation or

custody so that you know what is being asked of you. Even though one of the parents may be close to

you, insist that you see the court order before you supervise a visit. Ask one of the parents or their

attorney to provide you with a copy or you can get a copy by taking the case number to the Clerk of

Court’s office. It’s very important that you understand the times, places, restrictions and conditions of the

visits because the judge has considered how to best protect the child. Even if you do not agree with the

order, do all that you can to make sure the visits occur as they are written in the court order.

4) Make sure that you can see and hear all contact and conversations between the child and parent with

supervised visitation or custody. This also means that you must understand the language they are using.

Because you cannot leave the location of the visitation, it would be helpful for you to make arrangements

regarding who will answer the phone or the door, and who will attend to other activities. This is important

so that your attention is not taken away from the parent and child.

5) Allow no derogatory comments about the other parent, his or her family, caretaker, child, or child’s

brothers and sisters. Sometimes it is difficult to set rules for a friend or family member, especially when

those involved may be hurt or upset by the divorce or separation. During the time you are supervising the

visits with the child, you are responsible for ensuring that the environment for the child is free from anger

and unkind remarks. Remember, this is the time for the parent to build a positive relationship with their

child.

THE FAMILY COURT

FORM O, p. 1 of 3

REVISED: NOV 2013

Supervisor Form

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