Therapeutic Supervised Visitation

What is it all about?

• Therapeutic Supervised Access (TSA) is similar to traditionally monitored supervised visits between a parent and child/ren except that a therapist is involved in supervising and guiding the visit. • TSA provides structured, interactive guidance on the parent-child interaction, with a focus on positive parenting education and skills, improving the relationship between parent and child/ren, and behavioral management. • Although TSA can be a part of Reintegration Therapy (RT), it should not be used in place of it. TSA, unlike RT, does not assist in the long term goal of achieving a healthy relationship between the non-custodial parent and the child/ren. TSA is normally a short-term intervention, usually less than 60 days. Recent or current safety concerns may exist, and typically includes a difficult conversation that needs facilitation between the parent and child/ren. Once the issue(s) is addressed, visitations can transition to non-therapeutic supervised access if needed. • Examples appropriate for TSA: When a child has witnessed domestic violence; a parent suffering from addiction or mental health challenges that has caused intermittent to no contact in the child/ren’s life; instability of a parent; parent was incarcerated for a long period of time. • Custodial parent is responsible to transport child/ren to sessions and may be asked to participate. • May not be an appropriate intervention for child/ren under 5, depending on the circumstances. • The therapist or mental health professional must meet qualifications under IRFLP 717.