Professional Opportunity for Massachusetts LMHCs
Become a Professional Parenting Time Supervisor
Category AA appointments provide qualified professionals with an opportunity to use their experience with children and families within the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court system.
VIEW COURT REQUIREMENTS
What Is a Category AA Professional Parenting Time Supervisor?
A Professional Parenting Time Supervisor is appointed to supervise court-ordered parenting time between a child and a parent when the Court determines that professional supervision is appropriate.
The supervisor's primary responsibility is to help ensure the safety and well-being of the child while supporting the child's opportunity to have contact with the parent. The supervisor observes parenting-time sessions, maintains appropriate boundaries, documents observations, and performs the responsibilities established by the Court's order.
Why This May Be a Great Opportunity for LMHCs
LMHCs who have substantial experience working with children and families may already have many of the skills that are valuable in professional parenting-time supervision, including observation, communication, child development knowledge, family-systems understanding, documentation, boundary setting, and mandated-reporter responsibilities.
What Does a Parenting Time Supervisor Do?
Observe
Observe parenting-time interactions and remain attentive to the child's safety, comfort, and well-being.
Supervise
Follow the Court's order and supervision guidelines while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Document
Maintain required records and document factual observations in accordance with Court guidelines.
Report
Provide required reports and information to the Court in accordance with the appointment and applicable guidelines.
Do You Meet the Basic Requirements?
The Massachusetts Probate and Family Court establishes specific qualifications for Professional Parenting Time Supervisors. Applicants should review the current Court guidelines before applying.
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Bachelor's degree
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At least three years of professional experience working with children
✓
Mandated reporter status because of your profession or licensure, or mandated-reporter status within the previous five years
✓
Professional liability insurance meeting the Court's minimum requirements
✓
Good standing with the relevant licensing authority, if applicable
✓
Criminal-history and child-safety requirements established by the Court
✓
Required Category AA training and application process
Important:
Being an LMHC does not by itself guarantee eligibility or appointment. Applicants must meet all applicable Category AA requirements established by the Probate and Family Court.
What Category AA Supervision Is Not
It is not therapy.
The supervisor does not provide mental-health treatment during supervised parenting time.
It is not advocacy.
The supervisor's responsibility is to carry out the Court's order and protect the child's safety and well-being, not to advocate for either parent.
It is not informal observation.
The supervisor has defined professional responsibilities, documentation requirements, and obligations established by the Court.
Your Path to Category AA
1
REVIEW
Review the Court's qualifications and determine whether you meet the Category AA requirements.
2
TRAIN
Complete the required Category AA training and understand the Court's supervision standards.
3
APPLY
Complete the application, interview, and remaining Court requirements.
Official Massachusetts Court Resources
Use the Court's official materials for the most current requirements, guidelines, training information, and application instructions.
CATEGORY AA INFORMATION
QUALIFICATIONS & DUTIES
FEE-GENERATING APPOINTMENTS
Ready to Explore Category AA?
Review the current Massachusetts Probate and Family Court requirements to determine whether professional parenting-time supervision is the right opportunity for your LMHC practice.
EXPLORE CATEGORY AA
Information for educational purposes:
This page is intended to help Massachusetts LMHCs learn about Category AA Professional Parenting Time Supervisor opportunities. It is not legal advice and does not replace the official requirements, guidelines, applications, or instructions of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court. Requirements may change. Applicants should review the current Mass.gov materials before applying.