July 12, 2023
As parents navigating the world of supervised visitation, it's natural to have questions and concerns about the process. One such concern that often comes up is the potential bias of the professional monitor during visits. Will they favor one parent over the other? The answer is a resounding "No," and here's why.
Professional monitors, like our team, are bound by stringent regulations. As of 2023, we operate under the California Rules of Court, Standard 5.20, which provides a clear framework for our role in the supervised visitation process. This Standard ensures that we perform our duties without bias and without compromising the safety and welfare of your child.
Standard 5.20 outlines that one of the primary roles of a professional monitor is to remain neutral. We are here to observe and ensure a safe environment for your child – not to take sides. We understand the complex emotions involved in these situations, but our focus remains firmly on the wellbeing of the child. This means that our approach is not influenced by personal feelings or opinions about either parent.
As monitors, we document the interactions during visitations. However, these observations are strictly factual. They don't include personal judgments or opinions. Whether it's noting the time of the visit, the activities that took place, or the child's responses, we provide an accurate, objective account of what occurred during the visit.
While we don't favor one parent over the other, we do prioritize one thing – safety. We are trained to recognize and respond to any potential risks to the child during the visitation. Should an issue arise that poses a threat to the child's safety or well-being, we are obligated to step in, regardless of which parent is involved. This is not favoritism; it's fulfilling our role as child protectors.
As parents, understanding and respecting the neutrality of professional monitors is crucial. We ask that you keep in mind that our role is not to serve as a referee or to validate one parent's perspective over the other. Instead, our primary concern is to facilitate a safe, positive, and comfortable environment for your child during these visitations.
Supervised visitation can be a challenging time for families. However, knowing that the professional monitor is there to maintain a balanced, secure, and positive environment can provide a sense of relief. As professional monitors, we are here to uphold the standards set out by the California Rules of Court, ensuring that your child's safety and well-being are at the forefront of every visitation.
