Before Your First Visit
Before Your First Visit
Starting supervised visitation can feel unfamiliar, especially for children and parents adjusting to a new process. This page explains what must be completed before the first visit and what families can expect when services begin.
Before Visits Can Begin
Before the first supervised visit or exchange can be scheduled, each parent must complete the required intake steps.
Parents must:
Complete the intake form https://form.jotform.com/261475840314052
Review the visitation guidelines and fees
Complete the service agreement
Schedule orientation
Submit current court orders or written agreements
Provide photo identification
Confirm payment arrangements
Receive confirmation of the first visit date, time, and location
Visits are not confirmed until all required intake steps, documentation, payment arrangements, and scheduling details have been completed.
Preparing Your Child
Children do best when the visit is explained in a calm, simple, and age-appropriate way.
Parents should avoid discussing court matters, adult conflict, or negative feelings about the other parent with the child. A simple explanation is usually best:
“You are going to spend time with your parent, and the monitor will be there to help make sure everything goes smoothly.”
Children should not be pressured to act, feel, hug, kiss, or respond in a certain way during the visit. The visit should move at the child’s pace whenever possible.
What to Bring
Only bring items that have been approved in advance by the monitor.
Approved items may include:
Snacks or drinks
Diapers, wipes, bottles, or infant care items
Comfort items for young children
Age-appropriate toys, books, or activities
Medication or special care items, if discussed in advance
Food, gifts, toys, or personal items should be approved before the visit to avoid confusion, conflict, or safety concerns.
Arrival and Exchange Process
Parents should arrive at the scheduled time and follow the monitor’s instructions for separate arrivals and departures.
In most cases, the custodial parent arrives first with the child. The visiting parent should remain nearby and wait for the monitor’s notification before entering the visit location.
Parents should avoid direct communication or contact with each other before, during, or after visits unless approved by the monitor or allowed by the court order.
During the Visit
Visits should remain calm, respectful, and child-focused.
Parents should avoid discussing court, custody, child support, adult conflict, or other sensitive issues with the child. Parents should not question the child about the other parent or make negative comments about the other parent.
The monitor may redirect conversation or behavior if needed to keep the visit appropriate, neutral, and focused on the child.
Community and Home-Based Visits
Supervised visits may take place in approved community locations, such as parks, libraries, or family-friendly public spaces.
Home-based visits may also be considered when appropriate, especially for infants, young children, longer visits, or situations where a familiar setting may better support the child.
All visit locations must be approved in advance by the monitor and must follow the court order, safety considerations, and program guidelines.
Helpful Reminders
Arrive on time
Keep communication respectful
Bring only approved items
Avoid adult topics with the child
Follow the monitor’s directions
Focus on creating a calm and positive visit experience
The goal of the first visit is to help the child feel safe, supported, and comfortable with the supervised visitation process.
Questions Before Your First Visit?
If you have questions about forms, scheduling, visit locations, approved items, or what to expect, please contact us before the visit.
Call or text: (925) 594-1274
Email: bayareasupervisedvisitation@gmail.com