Before the visit

You'll receive written confirmation in advance of your first visit. It will include:

  • The date, time, and location of the visit
  • The name of your assigned TruVisit supervisor
  • The duration of the visit (typically 2–3 hours)
  • Any specific conditions from the court order
  • Confirmation that both parents have been notified

If anything in the confirmation doesn't match what you understood, contact your TruVisit coordinator before the visit — not at the visit.

What to bring

  • Yourself, on time. Arrive 5–10 minutes early to settle in.
  • A government-issued photo ID. The supervisor will confirm your identity.
  • Age-appropriate activities for the child. A book, a small toy, a craft, a game. Keep it simple.
  • Snacks and water, especially for younger children. Atlanta summers are humid.
  • A change of clothes for small children if relevant.
  • Nothing prohibited by your court order.

What NOT to bring

  • Gifts that haven't been pre-discussed (some orders restrict)
  • Letters or written notes for the child to take back (also restricted in some orders)
  • Anyone other than you — visits are between you and the child, not extended family or new partners — unless the order specifically allows.
  • Phones with recording active. The supervisor's report is the record of the visit.

When you arrive

The TruVisit supervisor will:

  • Confirm your identity and briefly review the court order's conditions
  • Coordinate the arrival of the child (often the custodial parent drops the child off; sometimes there's a staggered arrival)
  • Greet the child and re-introduce you if appropriate
  • Stay visually and audibly present for the duration of the visit

During the visit

  • Follow the child's lead. If the child is shy, don't push. If the child wants to play, play.
  • Keep it calm. A first visit is not the time for emotional conversations, big gifts, or major plans.
  • Do not discuss the case. No talk about court, the other parent, custody, or why supervision is required.
  • Do not ask the child to keep secrets.
  • Do not make promises you can't keep.
  • Engage in the activities you brought.
For the custodial parent Your role at the first visit is the handoff. Bring the child, hand them off to the supervisor, and step away. Do not interact with the other parent at the visit unless the order specifically requires it.

What the supervisor is doing

  • Remaining visually and audibly present at all times
  • Taking contemporaneous notes — timestamped, factual, observational
  • Stepping in to redirect if any condition of the court order is violated
  • Ending the visit if necessary (very rare, but possible if safety is at issue)
  • Producing a written report within 24 hours

The supervisor is not there to coach you, give parenting advice, judge your interactions, or take sides.

End of the visit

Wrap up 5–10 minutes before the scheduled end time. Brief, positive goodbyes work best. The supervisor will coordinate the handoff back to the custodial parent.

After the visit

You'll receive your written session report within 24 hours, distributed according to whatever your court order specifies.

How to prepare a child for a first supervised visit

  • Tell the child in advance, briefly and matter-of-factly: "You're going to see [parent] on Saturday at [park]. A nice person from TruVisit will be there too."
  • Do not over-explain. Do not coach. Do not warn.
  • Let the child bring a comfort item if they want.
  • Plan a low-key activity after the visit.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring a gift for my child to the first visit?
Check your court order first — some restrict gifts. Even when allowed, small and simple is best for a first visit.
What if my child is reluctant or upset?
Common, especially early on. The supervisor's job is to support the visit, not force interaction. Sometimes shorter visits or quieter activities work better in the first few sessions.
Can I take photos during the visit?
Generally, no — unless the court order specifically allows. The supervisor's report is the official record.
How long until the visits feel normal?
Most parents and children report that visits start to feel more natural by the third or fourth session.