Supervised Child Visitation in Sherwood Park

Heart & Justice – Policy Update

Effective Date: March 7, 2026 – 5:30 p.m.

At Heart & Justice, the safety of the child, the visiting parent, and the integrity of the supervised visit are our highest priorities. From time to time, operational policies may be clarified or amended to ensure expectations are clear and to maintain a safe and structured visitation environment for all parties.

Effective immediately, the following location protocol applies to all supervised visitation exchanges:

Once the residential parent has transferred the child to the supervisor for the visit, the residential parent must remain at least 200 metres away from the location where the visit is taking place. The residential parent may return to the designated pickup area no earlier than 10 minutes prior to the scheduled end of the visit, unless otherwise directed by the supervisor.

This policy is intended to prevent unnecessary interaction between parents and to reduce the risk of misunderstandings or situations that could place either parent in a position that may be interpreted as breaching a court-ordered condition.

If circumstances arise where a parent appears to be attempting to create or encourage a situation that could place the other parent at risk of breaching a court order or condition, the supervisor will document the observations and include them in the visit record.

Heart & Justice supervisors act in a neutral capacity and will document observations only.

Supervisor Discretion

Supervisors retain the discretion to adjust exchange procedures, waiting areas, or movement within the facility when necessary to maintain safety, prevent parent contact, or ensure the visit proceeds in accordance with court-ordered conditions and agency policy.

Compliance With Agency Policy

All parties participating in supervised visitation are expected to follow Heart & Justice operational policies and supervisor instructions. Failure to follow these procedures, including refusal to comply with location requirements or supervisor direction, may result in the visit being paused, rescheduled, or suspended pending review.

Documentation and Neutral Reporting

Supervisors will document relevant observations related to arrival, exchanges, parent proximity to the visitation location, and compliance with agency procedures. Reports prepared by Heart & Justice reflect observed events only and are not intended to interpret legal compliance or determine whether a court order has been breached.

The residential parent will not approach or harass the other visiting parent or create conflict and vice versus.

We take the following measures:

• Supervised, Controlled Transitions
  Parents do not interact during drop-off and pick-up. The residential parent leaves immediately after the child is safely transferred to the supervisor.

• Supervisor Present at All Times
  The visiting parent is never alone with the child without a supervisor nearby. All interactions are observed and documented.

• No Direct Communication Between Parents
  Communication happens only through the supervisor or in writing, if needed. This prevents confrontation and false accusations.

• Documentation for Protection
  Everything relevant to the visit — behaviour, attempts to breach the other party, rules, interference, or safety issues — is recorded factually. This protects both the child and the integrity of the process.

We use the terms “residential parent” and “visiting parent” to maintain neutrality, clarity, and professionalism in all supervised visitation records and communications.

This language is intentional because:

• It avoids implying one parent has greater value, status, or “ownership” of the child.
  These terms describe where the child is residing at the time of services — not a parent’s importance in the child’s life.

• It reduces conflict and emotional stress in high-conflict situations.
  Neutral terminology helps lower defensiveness and power struggles, allowing visits to focus on the child rather than labels.

• It reflects the purpose of supervised visitation.
  Our role is to support parenting time and safe connection — not to define who is the “better,” “primary,” or more legitimate parent.

• It aligns with modern, court-aligned practice.
  Courts and professional supervision services increasingly use functional, non-hierarchical language that describes roles during visits without embedding judgment or permanence into labels.

This approach supports dignity, reduces escalation, and keeps the focus where it belongs: on the child’s safety, stability, and experience during supervised parenting time.

• Parenting time is for the visiting parent and child only—without interruptions from the residential parent.

• “Children’s” phones or electronic devices are not allowed during visits. This is solely for the purpose of the child being tracked. Any tracking device such as air tags, or tiles, or any such device is prohibited on the visit. This does not preclude the parent from using their phone to take photos or videos of their child. Memories are forever and no parent deserves to have that right taken-unless there is court order stating otherwise.

• It’s natural for a child to miss the other parent. Calls or messages to the supervisor or child interferes with the visit.

• Children will be encouraged to enjoy their time fully and comfortably with the visiting parent.

• Only the visiting parent—or the supervisor, if necessary for safety—may end or shorten the visit.

• Secret recording, continuous recording, surveillance-style recording, or live streaming of supervised visits is not permitted.

• If unauthorized or secret recording is observed or suspected, the supervisor may require the device to be put away, pause the visit, or conclude the visit if necessary. Any such occurrence may be documented in the visit report.

  Heart & Justice supervisors may also prohibit photography or recording at any time if it becomes disruptive or raises privacy or safety concerns.

We charge a one-time $150 intake fee for each case. It shows commitment to the process and the process is very time intensive.
This fee covers the time and work required to:

• Meet separately with each parent to understand your situation, court orders, safety concerns, and scheduling needs.

• Review court documents or agreements so visits are carried out correctly and legally.

• Ensure both parents are heard and understood before visits start — we stay neutral and gather the full picture from both sides.

• Set up files, policies, communication records, and reporting systems so everything is organized, accurate, and ready for court if needed.

This intake process helps us start supervision in a fair, informed, and safe way — with the child’s best interests at the centre. The intake fee is $150 and may be paid by one parent or split

Premium Extended Supervised Visitation Services

Heart & Justice offers extended supervised visitation options for families who require longer periods of court-compliant parenting time while maintaining professional oversight and child-focused safeguards.

24-Hour (Overnight) Supervised Visitation
This option is designed for situations where a parent has court-ordered supervised access but requires an overnight visit to support bonding, routine-building, or meaningful time with their child. A trained supervisor remains present for the entire duration of the visit, including overnight periods, to ensure:

• Continuous child safety and supervision

• Compliance with court orders and agency policies

• Neutral, professional documentation of the visit

• Support for normal routines (meals, bedtime, morning routines)

This service allows the parent to experience full-day and overnight parenting time while maintaining the safeguards required by the court.

3-Day Extended Supervised Visitation (Weekend Support)
This premium option allows a parent to spend extended, multi-day time with their child (e.g., weekend visits or short trips) while remaining in compliance with supervised access requirements. A supervisor remains present for the full duration of the visit and can accompany approved activities such as:

• Family outings

• Community activities

• Meals and recreational time

• Routine daily care

This option is intended to support meaningful parent-child connection over a longer period while maintaining structured oversight and clear documentation.

Professional Oversight, Continuous Supervision
For all extended visits, supervision is continuous and uninterrupted for the full duration of the service. These services are designed to balance child safety, court compliance, and the child’s right to meaningful time with both parents.

What This Looks Like in Practice

• Safety First — Quiet, Predictable, Respectful
  Whether visits happen at home or in public spaces, we do everything we can to keep things calm, structured, and emotionally safe for the child.

• Clarity Over Confusion
  We keep the process simple, explain what we’re doing and why, and never leave parents or children guessing. Trust comes from being transparent — not from big promises.

• No One Story Fits All
  Every family has its own history, culture, and way of communicating. We don’t assume. We listen, adjust, and respect where people are coming from.

• Choice When Possible
  When appropriate, we offer small, meaningful choices — especially to children. Feeling heard can make unfamiliar situations less scary.

• Strength Over Shame
  We look at what families are doing right — not only what went wrong. We support stability, connection, and resilience wherever we see it.

Our Bottom Line

Supervised visitation isn’t just about rules — it’s about people. And people do better when they feel safe, respected, and understood. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to at Heart & Justice.

Supervised visits are designed to reflect real life — not create an artificial environment that feels clinical, confined, or unnatural for children.

For this reason, visits typically take place in safe, public, child-appropriate settings, such as:

• quiet cafés or small restaurants

• libraries or community spaces

• parks and recreation centres

• family-friendly public venues approved in advance

These environments allow children and parents to interact in a way that feels normal, relaxed, and emotionally accessible, which supports more authentic bonding — especially when a parent and child are reconnecting after time apart.

We do not believe closed-room facilities are the most effective environment in most cases, even during reunification or re-introductions after long separations.

Confinement can increase anxiety, emotional shutdown, or performative behaviour, which does not reflect how families function in real life. Children benefit from experiencing their parent in everyday settings where they can walk, talk, eat, play, and exist naturally together.

When home visits become appropriate, they are considered gradually and carefully:

• The supervising professional will assess readiness and risk factors

• A safety evaluation of the home is completed in advance

• Any transition to a private setting is reviewed and approved before visits occur

For safety and accountability — and at the expense of the visiting parent — a supervisor may attend the home beforehand to ensure the space is safe, appropriate, and suitable for children.

Throughout all visits, our trained supervisors:

• remain present at all times

• observe and document interactions

• ensure boundaries and court conditions are followed

• support a safe, neutral environment for children

We intentionally use real-world environments because our professionals recognize that children should not have to build or repair relationships in confined, artificial spaces. Supervised visitation should prepare families for real life — not isolate them from it.

We accept the following payment methods:

• E-Transfer

• Visa / Mastercard (a 4% + transaction processing fee applies)

Payment Terms

• Payment is required at least 48 hours before each scheduled visit to confirm and secure the booking.

• Cancellations must be made no less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled visit to avoid charges.

• Late cancellations or missed visits may be subject to full or partial charges, as time has been reserved and a supervisor assigned.

Banking & Payment Details

Banking and payment instructions are provided later in the intake and booking process to ensure privacy and accuracy.

Many visitation service providers keep each parent’s intake information confidential. They do this to protect privacy, avoid conflict, and prevent one parent’s comments from triggering emotional responses from the other.

However, this approach can sometimes create imbalances or misunderstandings, especially when one party provides information that may be incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading — and the other parent never has the chance to clarify or correct it.

At Heart & Justice, we believe that transparency builds trust.
We share relevant information so both parents understand what has been communicated. This helps:

• Reduce false or misleading claims

• Promote honesty and accountability

• Keep both parents equally informed

• Prevent surprises or unnecessary conflict later

We are still careful to protect sensitive personal information — anything relating to safety concerns, addresses, or protected disclosures will never be shared. Our goal is to create a process that is honest, respectful, and child-focused, where both parents operate from the same set of facts.

If a child says something that indicates they may not be safe or are being hurt, we are required by law to report this to child protection services. We cannot keep that information private.

At Heart & Justice Supervision Services, we understand that supervised parenting time is not simply an hourly transaction — it’s a meaningful, high-stakes opportunity for connection, healing, and safety.

That’s why our rates are higher than many standard agencies in Alberta. Our goal is not to be the cheapest option — it’s to be the most thorough, transparent, and trusted. We invest additional time and care into every stage of the process, including shared intakes, clear communication, and full accountability for both parents.

We maintain an absolute focus on quality over quantity. We’re not the lowest-cost provider because we believe the safety, dignity, and well-being of your child deserve nothing less.

While some agencies may view supervised visitation primarily as a revenue-based service, Heart & Justice was built on a different principle. Our mission is not to keep families in long-term supervision, but to help them progress toward independence — rebuilding trust, communication, and stability so that supervision is no longer necessary.

If a child discloses information suggesting that they may be at risk of harm, abuse, or neglect, our staff are legally obligated to report this to the appropriate child-protection authorities. This duty to report ensures that every visit remains guided by the principles of safety, honesty, and child welfare.

Current Rate: $90 per hour
Transportation: Available for an additional fee

It’s not uncommon for parents to change visitation service providers. Often, this happens after one parent receives a report they don’t agree with — or when an agency documents details that one party would prefer to leave out.

Unfortunately, some families then look for agencies willing to take a more casual approach — ones that write minimal reports, avoid difficult observations, or overlook key information. While that might feel easier in the short term, it doesn’t build trust with the court or support long-term progress for the child.

At Heart & Justice, we do things differently.
We maintain accuracy, transparency, and consistency in all reporting — even when the truth is uncomfortable. Our reports are factual, neutral, and complete, so that everyone — parents, lawyers, and the courts — can rely on them with confidence.

Our goal isn’t to take sides or please anyone.
It’s to create a record that reflects what actually happens, protecting the safety and integrity of the process, and most importantly, the child’s well-being.

No. Our role is to observe and document - not to judge. We understand that families come to supervised visitation during some of the most challenging times in their lives, and we approach every case with empathy and professionalism.

Our supervisors are trained in trauma-informed care and maintain strict neutrality. We don't take sides, form opinions about who's "right" or "wrong," or make recommendations about custody. We simply create a safe space for your child to spend time with you while documenting what happens during visits in a factual, objective way.

Many parents tell us they feel relieved once visits begin because our supervisors are warm, respectful, and focused on helping the visit go smoothly - not on finding fault.

Children adapt remarkably well when visits are handled with care and consistency. We introduce supervision in age-appropriate ways that minimize confusion and anxiety.

For younger children, we're simply "a helper" or "a friend" who's there to make sure everyone is safe and happy. For older children who understand more, we explain our role honestly but gently - we're here to help families spend time together in a way that works for everyone.

Our child-centered approach means we watch for signs of distress and adjust as needed. If your child seems uncomfortable, we use trauma-informed techniques to help them feel safe. We never force interaction, and we prioritize your child's emotional well-being above all else.

Most children settle into the routine quickly, especially when both parents stay positive and focused on enjoying their time together.

We document visits factually and objectively, but our reports focus on relevant observations - not every single word or gesture.

Standard visit reports (1-2 pages) include the basics: date, time, activities, general behavior, compliance with court orders, and the overall tone of the visit. We note positive interactions, any concerns, and how situations were handled.

Comprehensive reports (3-10+ pages) provide more detail and are typically used when there are specific concerns or patterns that need to be documented over time.

We don't editorialize, speculate, or include personal opinions. If something significant happens - a safety concern, a violation of court orders, or an incident requiring intervention - we document it clearly and factually. But everyday moments of normal parent-child interaction aren't dissected or over-analyzed.

You'll always know what our role is and what we're observing. Transparency is part of building trust.

Parenting is full of imperfect moments - supervised or not. We understand that, and we approach visits with realistic expectations.

If you say something you wish you hadn't, or your child has a meltdown, or a visit doesn't go as planned, that's normal. We're looking for overall patterns of behavior and compliance with court orders - not perfection.

Our supervisors are trained to support positive visits. If something starts to go sideways, we may offer a gentle redirect or suggest a break. Our goal is to help visits succeed, not to catch you making mistakes.

What matters most is how you respond when things get tough: Do you stay calm? Do you focus on your child's needs? Do you follow the guidelines? Those are the things that demonstrate your commitment to your child's well-being.

Preparation makes a big difference in helping your child feel comfortable and secure.

Keep it simple and positive. Explain that you'll be spending time together with someone there to help. Avoid sharing adult details about court orders or conflict with the other parent.

Stay calm and confident. Children pick up on your emotions. If you're anxious or negative about supervision, they'll feel that. If you're matter-of-fact and upbeat, they'll take their cue from you.

Focus on the fun. Talk about what you'll do together - play games, read stories, go to the park. Make the visit itself the focus, not the supervision.

Reassure them it's not their fault. Some children worry that supervision means they did something wrong. Let them know this is about grown-up stuff, and they're loved and safe.

We provide parent preparation guides during intake that include age-appropriate scripts and tips for talking to your child. You're not alone in this.

Open communication is essential, and we want you to feel heard.

If something happens during a visit that concerns you, you can submit a written statement for the case file. We take parent feedback seriously and review concerns carefully.

That said, our supervisors follow strict protocols designed to keep everyone safe and maintain neutrality. Sometimes parents disagree with a boundary or intervention because emotions are running high, but our decisions are always guided by court orders, safety, and your child's best interests - never personal bias.

If there's a serious concern about supervisor conduct, we have an escalation process. But in most cases, questions or discomfort can be resolved through clear communication and understanding of our role and policies.

We're here to support your relationship with your child, and that includes being approachable and professional in how we handle concerns.

• What We Document:
  Report may how the child is dropped off by the residential parent, any interaction with the supervisor, and how the parent supports or prepares the child for the visit.
  At the end of the visit, we document how the visiting parent says goodbye and how the child responds to leaving.

• Court-Order Compliance:
  We follow the court order exactly as written. No additional rules will be created outside of what the order permits.

• Drop-Off & Pick-Up Guidelines:
  Transitions can be stressful, so both parents are expected to follow the supervisor’s directions on where and when to meet.
  The residential parent must leave the area once the child is safely transferred and is not permitted to stay near or enter the visit location.

• Objectivity and Observations

  At Heart & Justice, our reports are written with an emphasis on objectivity, accuracy, and neutrality.
  Our role is not to interpret, diagnose, or judge — but to observe and document what occurs during visits in a clear and factual manner.

  We recognize, however, that children communicate not only through words but also through their behavior, body language, and emotional cues.
  For this reason, our documentation may include objective descriptions of how the child appeared or behaved, such as:

  “The child appeared quiet and hesitant at the beginning of the visit but became more talkative after 15 minutes,”
  or
  “The child smiled, maintained eye contact, and engaged in play with the visiting parent.”

  These statements describe observable behavior, not opinions or assumptions.
  This approach allows our reports to remain credible, balanced, and child-centered, while still providing the court and professionals with meaningful insights into the child’s experience during visits.

• Reports may be requested for court or if counsel is requesting. Standard supervision includes neutral visit oversight and notes for internal record-keeping only. Full written reports are available only upon written request or court order and are billed separately. If the court is also requiring a detailed summary report the fee is $500. Court testimony fee is $500.

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The duration of supervised visitation is determined by the court, not by us. However, most cases last a minimum of six months, and many continue longer depending on the circumstances and progress made.

Supervised visitation is often a step in a larger process - it may be a transition while parents complete counseling, address safety concerns, or rebuild trust. Some families move to less restrictive arrangements over time; others continue with supervision as long as the court orders it.

Our role is to provide consistent, professional supervision and accurate documentation for as long as you need us. We're here to support your family through this chapter, however long it takes.

Yes, in most cases - but it depends on your specific court order and visit plan.

During intake, we'll review any restrictions or guidelines about what you can bring. Generally, age-appropriate toys, snacks, and small gifts are welcome as long as they're safe and don't violate court rules.

We encourage activities that promote bonding and positive interaction - books, puzzles, outdoor games, art supplies. Avoid anything that could create conflict (expensive gifts that might upset the other parent, items that are hard to share in a public setting, etc.).

If you're unsure, just ask. We'll help you plan visits that are enjoyable and appropriate for your child.

We never force a child to participate. Your child's emotional safety is our top priority.

If your child is distressed, our supervisors use trauma-informed techniques - grounding exercises, gentle encouragement, giving the child space and time. Sometimes a child needs time to warm up to the visiting parent especially if it has been some time since they have seen each other.

We'll assess the situation carefully. If distress continues or escalates, we may pause or end the visit early. This isn't a reflection on you as a parent - sometimes children need time to adjust, or there are underlying issues that need to be addressed outside of visits.

We document what happens and report it factually. Our goal is always to support connection when it's healthy and safe, while respecting your child's emotional state.

We take privacy and confidentiality extremely seriously.

All case information is protected under Alberta's PIPA and FOIP privacy laws. We collect only the minimum information necessary, store everything using AES-256 encryption, and limit access to authorized staff only.

We don't share case details with anyone outside of the parties named in the court order (parents, lawyers, courts) unless legally required to do so. We don't gossip, post on social media, or discuss cases in public.

Your family's story is sensitive, and we treat it with the respect and discretion it deserves. Confidentiality is non-negotiable in our work.

We maintain the same standards of neutrality and documentation for all parties.

If the other parent violates court orders or safety protocols during their visits, our supervisor will intervene, document the incident, and report it factually - just as we would for any parent.

However, we can't share details about the other parent's visits with you due to confidentiality and our neutral role. Each parent's visits are separate, and our job is to observe and document - not to mediate or take sides.

If you have concerns about the other parent's behavior outside of supervised visits, those should be addressed through your lawyer or the court. We focus solely on what happens during the time we're supervising.

We never force a child to participate. Your child's emotional safety is our top priority.

If your child is distressed, our supervisors use trauma-informed techniques - grounding exercises, gentle encouragement, giving the child space and time. Sometimes a child needs a few minutes to warm up; other times, they may not be ready for a full visit.

We'll assess the situation carefully. If distress continues or escalates, we may pause or end the visit early. This isn't a reflection on you as a parent - sometimes children need time to adjust, or there are underlying issues that need to be addressed outside of visits.

We document what happens and report it factually. Our goal is always to support connection when it's healthy and safe, while respecting your child's emotional state.

No. Once the child has been transferred to the supervisor for the visit, the residential parent is expected to leave the immediate area and return at the scheduled pickup time unless otherwise directed by the supervisor.

Observing or recording the visit from nearby areas such as hallways, parking lots, adjacent rooms, or other areas within the facility is not permitted. This policy helps ensure that the visit remains calm, private, and focused on the child.

Any attempts to observe or record the visit from outside the designated visitation area may be documented in the visit report.