In Maryland, if the Court has reasonable grounds to believe that a child has been abused or neglected by a parent, the Court can require supervised visitation to protect the future safety, physiological, psychological and emotional well-being of the child.

In extreme cases, the Court can deny custody and visitation rights entirely to protect the child.

When the Court restricts or denies visitation, the restriction can only be lifted if the Court finds that there is no likelihood of further child abuse or neglect.

The Children’s Rights Council in Washington, D.C., offers Child Access and Transfer Centers throughout Maryland to provide monitored centers to exchange custody (on alternate Fridays and Sundays) or for supervised visitation (on alternate Saturdays). There is no fee for the service. When parents cannot agree upon a supervisor, the court may also offer court-sponsored programs at no charge.