What is Supervised Parenting Time in Minnesota?

Supervised Parenting Time in Minnesota: When Is It Ordered and How Does It Work?

Parenting time, sometimes known as “visitation,” refers to the time a parent spends with their child. While Minnesota family courts aim to ensure both parents maintain a strong relationship with their child, there are circumstances where the court may impose limits for the safety or well-being of the child. One such limitation is supervised parenting time.

If you are involved in a parenting time matter or a dispute about parenting time, it is important to know:

• What supervised parenting time is

• When Minnesota courts are likely to order it

• How supervised parenting time is structured and monitored

• How a parent can modify supervised visitation orders

• Practical tips for parents navigating supervised visitation

Whether you are seeking supervised parenting time or are responding to a request for it, understanding this legal mechanism can help you better protect your rights and your child’s best interests.

What Is Supervised Parenting Time?

Supervised parenting time refers to visits between a parent and their child that occur in the presence of a neutral third party. This third party ensures the child’s safety and may be required to report back to the court or to provide documentation of the visit.

Supervision may be required by:

• A court order

• Agreement of the parents

• Recommendations from a Guardian ad Litem or custody evaluator

Supervision can be carried out by:

• A professional visitation center or agency

• A trusted family member or friend approved by the court

• A therapist or parenting time expeditor in therapeutic or high-conflict cases

The purpose of supervised parenting time is not to punish a parent, but rather to allow for safe contact between a parent and child while addressing concerns that may exist.

When Is Supervised Parenting Time Ordered in Minnesota?

Minnesota courts prioritize the best interests of the child when making custody and parenting time determinations. Under Minnesota Statutes § 518.17, courts must consider a variety of factors, including the child’s safety and emotional development.

Some common reasons courts may order supervised parenting time include:

1. Allegations or Evidence of Abuse or Neglect

If a parent has a history of domestic violence, child abuse, or neglect, the court may order supervision to prevent further harm. This includes:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional or verbal abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect (failure to provide food, shelter, or supervision)

Even if abuse has not been proven, credible allegations or pending investigations can lead to a temporary order for supervision until the case is resolved.

2. Chemical Dependency or Mental Health Issues

A parent with untreated substance use or severe mental health disorders may have their time supervised, especially if there is concern that these issues impair their ability to safely care for the child.

Courts may require that the parent:

• Participate in chemical dependency treatment

• Undergo drug or alcohol testing

• Take prescribed medications

• Attend therapy or counseling

• Demonstrate stability before unsupervised time is granted

3. Child’s Fear or Trauma

In some cases, the child may be afraid of the parent due to past behavior or trauma. Supervised time may be used as a transitional tool to rebuild trust and ensure the child’s emotional safety.

4. Reintroduction After a Long Absence

If a parent has been absent from the child’s life for a significant period, the court may order supervised visits to help reestablish the relationship in a gradual and controlled way.

This is common in cases where:

• The parent was incarcerated

• The parent had little or no contact for several years

• The child was recently removed from foster care

Often this form of supervised parenting time is less concerned about preventing dangerous or inappropriate behavior by the supervised parent, and is instead focused on reunifying the parent and child in an appropriate and supportive environment.

5. High Conflict or Risk of Abduction

Supervision can also be appropriate when:

• The parents have a volatile relationship and frequent confrontations

• There is a credible risk that one parent may abduct the child

• One parent has repeatedly violated previous parenting time orders

In these cases, the court may want a neutral third party present to reduce conflict or prevent inappropriate behavior.

How Does Supervised Parenting Time Work?

When supervised parenting time is ordered, the court’s order will typically specify:

• Where the visits take place (e.g., at a visitation center, in the community, or at the home of a supervisor)

• How often the visits occur (e.g., weekly or biweekly)

• How long each visit lasts (e.g., 1–3 hours)

• Who supervises the visits (a professional or court-approved individual)

Types of Supervision

Professional Supervised Visitation

These occur at a licensed facility and are supervised by trained staff. The center typically:

• Monitors interactions

• Maintains safety protocols

• Keeps records of each visit

• Can provide reports to the court

This option is more structured but can be expensive (rates often range from $40–$100 per hour).

Nonprofessional Supervised Visitation

In some cases, the court may approve a friend or relative to act as the supervisor. This person must:

• Be impartial and trustworthy

• Be approved by both parties or the court

• Be willing to monitor the visit and intervene if necessary

This can be more affordable, but there’s a risk of conflict or inconsistent enforcement of the rules.

Therapeutic Supervised Visitation

When the child or parent needs mental health support during visitation, a licensed therapist may oversee the parenting time. This is common in reunification or trauma-sensitive cases.

Where to Find Supervised Visitation Providers in Minnesota

Parents looking for professional visitation services can explore the following options:

• Family Pathways – Offers supervised visitation in the Twin Cities metro areas

• FamilyWise Services – Provides supervised parenting time and exchanges in Hennepin and Ramsey counties

• Assisting Changing Families – Located in Burnsville, with supervisors available throughout the Twin Cities

For a more comprehensive list of court-approved providers, visit the Minnesota Judicial Branch Parent Resources page.

Modifying or Terminating Supervised Parenting Time

Supervised parenting time is not always permanent. Courts generally review the situation periodically and may modify the order if the parent demonstrates:

• Compliance with treatment or therapy

• Consistent participation in visits

• Improvements in parenting skills or safety

• Positive feedback from supervisors

To request a change, usually a parent must file a motion with the court. Under Minn. Stat. § 518.18, a parenting time order can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances and the modification serves the child’s best interests. Parents should be prepared to submit documentation, affidavits, and potentially testify.

Tips for Parents Participating in Supervised Parenting Time

If you're ordered to participate in supervised parenting time, here are some strategies to help the visits go smoothly:

1. Be Consistent and On Time

Courts value reliability. Always arrive early, and avoid canceling unless there’s an emergency.

2. Stay Child-Focused

Use the visit to engage with your child in positive, age-appropriate ways. Bring books, games, or snacks. Avoid discussing court matters, the other parent, or adult topics.

3. Cooperate with the Supervisor

Be respectful and follow all rules of the visitation center or supervisor. Avoid confrontational behavior or arguments.

4. Document Your Progress

Keep records of your visits, including dates, times, and observations. Ask the supervisor if they can share positive reports with the court.

5. Address Underlying Issues

If the court ordered supervision due to substance abuse, anger issues, or other concerns, proactively engage in treatment or classes. Showing progress can help your case.

What If the Other Parent Requests Supervised Time?

If the other parent has requested that your parenting time be supervised and you oppose it, it is important to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat such a request. Supervised parenting time can be detrimental to the parent-child relationship if ordered unnecessarily. A supervised parenting time order is very serious, and you should immediately consult with an attorney and determine how to:

• Challenge the allegations in court

• Present evidence that you are capable of safely parenting without supervision

• Request an evaluation or neutral third-party assessment

The court will evaluate the facts and apply the child’s best interest standard under Minn. Stat. § 518.17. It’s important to work with an experienced family law attorney who can help you prepare your case.

Can Parents Agree to Supervised Parenting Time Without a Court Order?

Yes. Parents can agree to supervised parenting time through:

• A stipulation and agreement filed with the court

• A temporary arrangement during high-conflict transitions

• Recommendations from a parenting consultant or mediator

However, even agreed-upon supervision should be formalized through a written order or stipulation to ensure enforceability.

Conclusion

While supervised parenting time is used to protect children while allowing parent-child contact, it can be detrimental to children when not used appropriately. However, it can be an extremely effective tool in cases involving safety concerns, substance abuse, or long parental absences. There are multiple forms of supervised parenting time, and often the implementation of such supervision is highly case-specific. Professional, informal, or even therapeutic supervised parenting time can be requested and may be appropriate for a case.

If you're facing a request for supervised parenting time or seeking to protect your child’s best interests, Roach Law PLLC is here to help. Contact our office at 651-468-2103 or visit roachlawmn.com to learn more about your options.