Visit Monitor - Supervised Access Program

When parents separate or divorce, complex issues can arise. Supervised Access Centres across the province are run under the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and are offered by agencies such as Family Services Ottawa. They provide a safe, neutral, and child focused setting to families requiring that visitation with their children be in a supervised setting. Families are referred to Supervised Access for a number of reasons, including addictions, mental health, high conflict and, most commonly, domestic violence.

Volunteers (also known as visit monitors) are essential in helping children feel safe and comfortable while at the centre.

Volunteers will:
• Receive training to prepare them for their role with Supervised Access.
• Work closely with staff to ensure the safety and comfort of the child(ren) for the duration of the visit.
• Escort the child(ren) to and from the visit room.
• Remain within sight of the child(ren) and visiting parent at all times and close enough to hear their conversation. (Parents involved in the visit understand that they are participating in a supervised visit; volunteer and staff presence should be apparent but not obtrusive.)
• Redirect/intervene when visit guidelines are broken.
• Record detailed observation notes that provide factual information about each visit.
• Work with an interpreter on visits that take place in a language other than French or English.
• Due to the time it takes to recruit, train and become accustomed to the program, SAP volunteers are expected to remain with SAP for at least a year.

Our next volunteer orientation is on Sunday, February 22nd, 2026. Please contact for details.

Benefits for volunteers:

- Volunteers will master how to write objective, fact-based, concise notes
- Volunteers are able to participate in several professional development opportunities and trainings
- Definite resume booster, and opens the door for other opportunities in the social work or law field
- Networking opportunities
- A great way for older volunteers to give back in a meaningful way
- Most importantly, you will get the reward of truly helping and seeing the difference in a child's life. This program would not run without our dedicated volunteers. This is not your typical volunteer position - this has an enormous direct impact on the families we serve.