It can be difficult in some states since visitation monitors are only required to report any criminal activity for the past 10 years. No regulatory agency monitor professional visitation monitors. In California, the state standards do not specify how much training someone should receive, and state and local officials do not certify or authorize specific agencies to do the training.
The list of monitors from the California Superior Courts includes disclaimer that the court “does not select, evaluate, endorse or supervise” those on the list and that they “have not been screened” regarding law enforcement, children’s services bureau or personal history. Providing the list may give the appearance that the court sanctions or approves the monitors, but it does not. The court’s role is just to determine whether the monitors meet the qualifications in the state standards.
When searching for a qualified visitation monitor for your children, it is important to know that the basic hours or training necessary to become “qualified” as a professional Monitor is not enough to assure the best situation for your family. Mandatory training in the CA 5.20 (Uniform Standards of Practice for Providers of Supervised Visitation) should be shown to have been provided by the CASVSP.
It is important that you seek someone who has years of experience in this field, and hopefully an education in a related field such as child development, human studies, or psychology. You may want to look for a monitor with former experience working with children and families in a professional capacity, and a who possess a clear understanding of basic family law procedures.
The monitor you choose will be responsible for the safety and well-being of everyone on a visit, therefore, their education and experience, along with the proper training is of the utmost importance.
Further, the professional supervised visitation monitor you choose will be producing the notes and reports for your case. The monitor must be neutral in their interactions and reporting while keeping detailed and accurate records of all interactions.
The monitor must therefore also have writing skills which afford them the ability to produce professional reports to the court.
A monitor who possess years of experience with diverse types of cases, a college degree in a related field, proper CA 5.20 training, continuing education, and dedication to children and families, will help ensure safety, and help provides peace of mind.
Finally, the goal is happy, stress-free visits for the children with the visiting parent, free of adult concerns.