Supervised parenting time is parenting time that occurs only with an approved supervisor present throughout the visit. The supervisor monitors the interaction between the parent and the child and intervenes if necessary to protect the child.

Supervised parenting time is ordered when the court has concerns about the child's safety during unsupervised contact with a parent. Domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health concerns, a history of child abuse, and prior violations of court orders are all circumstances that can support a supervised parenting time order.

Under the Alec and Lydia Act, when a court finds domestic violence has occurred the abusive parent must overcome the mandatory presumption by a preponderance of the evidence even to obtain supervised parenting time. Supervised parenting time is not an automatic compromise position. It requires proof.

Supervision can be provided by a professional agency, a therapeutic supervisor, or an agreed-upon lay person who meets specific requirements. The Alec and Lydia Act imposes specific requirements on lay supervisors including that they must review the court order, provide contact information to both parents, intervene and contact law enforcement if the child is endangered, and be available to appear in court.

The victim of domestic violence cannot be appointed as the supervisor under the Alec and Lydia Act. This was permitted under prior law and the prohibition is an important protection.