Supervised Parenting Time

Parenting time becomes supervised when regular parenting time isn't suitable for a family, often times due to high conflict, domestic violence, unresolved mental health or substance use concerns, or when a long term parenting plan hasn't been established.

Supervised parenting time allows children and parents to see one another in a structured and safe way while a neutral supervisor is present to observe and make notes.

A referral or Court Order is not required to participate. 

In the community

Parents and children may meet at community sites like libraries, parks, museums, or restaurants.   The community locations are proposed by the visiting parent and approved or denied by the supervisor.  The supervisor is responsible for communicating the details between both parents.

In the home 

Parents may agree to meet at the parents home for supervised parenting time; the court may order this service as well.  Supervisors will complete a home safety check prior to making a final decision to supervise at a parent's home.

Video Calls

Video calls between parents and children are structured and managed by the supervisor on Zoom.  Video calls are scheduled in 15-minute increments, up to one hour.

Phone Calls

Phone calls between parents and children can be managed by the supervisor as a conference call.  Phone calls are scheduled for 15 minutes.

Transportation

Transportation is not provided to off-site or in-home locations. 

Payments accepted

Online invoice, credit card and cash

Intake Fees  ($136/parent)

• Each parent pays for their own intake meeting.
• Fee includes intake meeting, visit planning, scheduling, and child's meet-and-greet.

Supervision Fees  ($68/hour)

• Typically paid by visiting parent.
• Fees include visit planning, ongoing scheduling,  observing, and writing a report.

Collateral Fees 

• Use of the supervisor's time due to cancellations, court attendance, communication with professionals, long distance travel, etc.

The full fee schedule can be downloaded below

Neutral Ground Solutions is available to schedule parenting time Monday thru Thursday and the 1st/3rd full weekend of the month.  Parenting time can take place between 9:00am and 9:00pm.

Consistent and ongoing appointment times are easiest and most beneficial.

Schedules are reviewed on a quarterly basis.

Most parenting time lasts between 2 hours and 4 hours. Other timeframes can be arranged. 

The standard level of supervision is full observation. During full observation the supervisor remains with the family throughout parenting time and will be able to visually and/or audibly observe the family at all times within reason.

Other levels of supervision

• Intermittent observation
• Drop-in observation
• Remote observation

The level of supervision dictates how a supervisor observes parenting time- proximity of the supervisor, frequency and duration of observation, and note-taking practices.  The level of supervision is determined by existing need and safety factors.