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Reasons to use a professional service
Often there is nothing to prohibit a family
from using a “non-professional” relative, friend, or acquaintance. Many
court orders will allow that as an option, providing both parents can
agree on whom to use. That often does not work out for the following
reasons:
First, there is the difficulty in finding
someone on whom both parties agree. Chances are very slim they will be
able to find an individual everyone will trust and feel
comfortable with.
Secondly, it can put a strain on friendships.
Many well-meaning friends and relatives will agree to provide the
service but will quickly tire of the regular commitment and/or being in
the middle of others conflicts. It is difficult for friends and
relatives to restrain from taking sides.
And, finally, it may actually detract from
the quality of the parent/child time together. It is often tempting to
spend time interacting with the acquaintance rather than focusing on the
child.
What are you being asked to do?
You have been asked to do a very important
job — to supervise visits between a parent and a child. You have been
asked because supervised visitation has been ordered by the court, and
because the parents feel they can trust you in ensuring the health,
safety and welfare of their child. In accepting this responsibility, it
is clear that you care about the children and family involved, and are
willing to perform the tasks of a non-professional provider.
So are you the person for the job?
Supervising visitations is a very important responsibility that can be
difficult at times. If you don’t think you can put your personal
feelings aside, don’t have the time to supervise properly, or for
whatever reason you feel uncomfortable, then you shouldn’t agree to do
this.
If you decide to supervise visits, it can be rewarding. Watching a
relationship between a parent and child mend and grow can be very
satisfying. There is no more important work than contributing to the
welfare of children.
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