Written Agreements and Court Orders
Review current orders and use written terms and conditions before services begin.
Professional Qualification Checklist
Requirements to Become a Professional Supervised Visitation and Exchange Services Provider
Training is one part of California’s professional-provider qualifications. Review the statutory requirements and any additional procedures that apply where you intend to work.
California Professional Provider Requirements
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have no DUI conviction within the previous five years.
- Have no probation or parole within the previous ten years.
- Have no conviction for child molestation, child abuse, or other crimes against a person.
- Maintain automobile insurance when transporting a child.
- Have no civil, criminal, or juvenile restraining orders within the previous ten years.
- Have no current or past court order in which the provider was the person being supervised.
- Meet language requirements. Speak the language of the supervised party and child or provide a neutral interpreter over age 18.
- Agree to follow and enforce the operative court order.
- Complete the required training before providing services. California requires 24 hours, including at least 12 hours of classroom instruction and the required CDSS mandated-reporter course within the total. Bridging Families Academy provides a 24-hour program with 12 live hours and 12 self-paced hours.
- Complete Live Scan before providing services.
- Maintain TrustLine registration before providing paid professional services.
- Complete the applicable professional-provider declaration, including form FL-324(P), as required.
- Follow additional local procedures. Courts, agencies, employers, and provider referral lists may require proof of training, declarations, annual submissions, insurance, written policies, continuing education, or separate review.
TrustLine is not required before enrolling in the Academy course.
Training, Live Scan, TrustLine, declarations, and local procedures are separate components. Participants may enroll while completing other qualifications, but all applicable requirements must be satisfied before providing paid services.
Important Practice Requirements After Qualification
Safety and Screening
Conduct separate intake, review risk, establish security and emergency procedures, and obtain required documents.
Records and Reports
Maintain dated records of contacts, visits, exchanges, attendance, noncompliance, incidents, interruptions, and terminations.
Neutrality and Confidentiality
Remain neutral, avoid conflicts, disclose that no confidential privilege exists, and protect identifying information as required.
Mandatory Reporting
Report suspected child abuse as required by law and explain the reporting obligation to the parties.
Virtual-Service Policies
For supervised virtual visitation, maintain written policies addressing safety, privacy, age appropriateness, technology, equipment, and internet access.