Supervised Visitation After a Criminal Conviction

 Posted on February 06, 2025 in Child Custody

Rebuilding your life after a criminal conviction can be difficult, especially when it comes to reestablishing trust with the people you love. If you have minor children and you are divorced or separated, the court, to say nothing of your child’s other parent, may be especially hesitant to allow you unrestricted access to your children. 

Whenever there are questions about whether a child may be endangered by a parent, supervised visitation is often a temporary solution. If you have served your time and want to reconnect with your child, understanding supervised visitation, as well as what you can do to bring it to an end, is essential. An Illinois child custody attorney can help you navigate supervised visitation and work toward restoring your parenting rights.

What Is Supervised Visitation?

Supervised visitation allows a parent to spend time with their child under the supervision of a neutral third party. This arrangement is often ordered when the court believes that unsupervised visits could pose a risk to the child’s well-being. The goal is to ensure that the child is safe while still having a relationship with each parent.

Supervision can take place in a designated facility, such as a visitation center, or in a public place with a court-approved supervisor. The supervisor may be a social worker, family member, or another qualified person.

Why Would the Court Order Supervised Visitation?

Illinois courts prioritize the best interests of the child in decisions about custody and visitation. If a parent has a recent criminal history, the court will be concerned about the nature of the crime. For example, a parent who has been convicted of a violent crime – especially domestic violence – may be more likely to receive supervised visitation than a parent who committed a white-collar crime. 

Courts will also be wary of the likelihood that a parent might try to leave the state or the country with a child. If a parent poses a flight risk, has previously taken a child out of the state without authorization, or has threatened to remove a child from the child’s other parent, supervised visitation could be imposed.

How Long Does Supervised Visitation Last?

Supervised visitation is not always permanent. The court will allow a parent to transition to unsupervised visits if the parent can demonstrate that they can provide a safe and positive environment for the child. Steps to regain unsupervised visitation may include:

• Completing all court-ordered rehabilitation or therapy programs

• Following all probation or parole requirements

• Consistently attending supervised visits without issues

• Showing stability through employment and housing

• Submitting to background checks or drug testing

What Should You Expect During Supervised Visits?

Supervised visits are structured to ensure the child has a positive experience. Parents may have a time limit on each visit, especially if the visit is at a visitation center. There will be specific rules during the visit, including limits on what a parent is allowed to discuss with a child, and age-appropriate activities like playing games or reading together are encouraged. 

How Can a Lawyer Help Me Get Unsupervised Visitation?

An experienced child custody lawyer at Weiler & Associates, Inc. can help you work through the legal process of supervised custody, advocate for fair visitation terms, and transition to unsupervised visits. We can help present evidence to the court that you have taken the necessary steps to be a responsible parent, and can assist in modifying court orders if your circumstances improve.

Contact a Kane County, IL Child Custody Lawyer

If you are seeking unsupervised visitation or want to modify your current visitation arrangement, a St. Charles, IL supervised visitation attorney can help. Contact Weiler & Associates, Inc. at 630-331-9110 to discuss your case and learn how we can help you rebuild your relationship with your child.