A visitation center is a place where the visits are supervised by a neutral person. The courts make an Order that the visitation has to occur at a specific or general visitation center.  There are a variety of visitation centers throughout Massachusetts. 

They require an intake to be done by both parents and understanding that the parents need to comply with court orders along with the program rules.  They are monitored or watched by staff and there are usually notes taken that might be submitted to the court.  The supervisor might be subpoenaed to be ordered to testify at court.  Usually there are different entrances for the custody parent and non-custodial parent.

Each program has different rules, but usually they do not allow the visiting parent to audio/video record the visits. Normally, cell phones are not supposed to be occurring.  The visitation can be cancelled if there is a concern about the use of illegal substances, alcohol or abuse of prescription medication. 

Some of the programs provide snacks and juice boxes.  Visiting parents may be allowed to bring appropriate food.  A lot of the times, letters and cards for the child needs to be unsealed for staff to provide ahead of time.  The different programs have different policies regarding gifts.  Typically, it would be mainly for a child’s birthday or a particular occasion; such as a holiday or graduation from school and things of that nature.  This is something that you should check the visitation center with.  Many times, the staff can refuse to allow gifts if they find that it is inappropriate. 

Things that might seem obvious but not to seek out or confront the other party is not to use the child as a go between.  Obviously between the two parents, inappropriate conversation, whispering or speaking in a low tone that the supervisor can’t see or hear is not allowed.  The staff may if they determine that the behavior is inappropriate or not following the rules suspend or cancel the visitation.  The staff is considered to be a mandated reporter of an abuse or neglect and can file a report with DCF. 

In addition, different programs have different cancellation policies if someone has been either a no show, late or cancelled.  The supervisors are supposed to maintain neutrality in the supervision process.