What is a Professional Parenting Time Supervisor (PPTS)?
A Professional Parenting Time Supervisor is a person who meets certain specific qualifications who is appointed by a Probate and Family Court judge and paid an hourly rate to supervise parenting time between children and non-custodial parents to ensure the safety and well-being of the child(ren).
Who can apply to be a PPTS?
To apply you must meet the following criteria:
- have a bachelor’s degree;
- have a minimum of three years’ experience working with children in a professional capacity such as a social worker, teacher, or other educational or medical professional AND be a mandated reporter under G. L. c. 119, § 21 because of your profession and/or licensure, or have been a mandated reporter within the past five years;
- have no criminal convictions or criminal matters continued without a finding related to a crime against a child, have no open case with the Department of Children and Families; have not had a G. L. c. 119, § 51B supported against you; are not and have never been under a court order where you are having your parenting time supervised; and are not currently under an electric monitoring order;
- if a licensed professional, be in good standing with the relevant licensing authority; and
- are not a current employee of the Trial Court.
If I do not work directly with children on a daily basis, can I qualify to become a PPTS?
It depends on your profession. While lawyers on occasion may have children as clients, this type of work alone does not qualify. If you are a school administrator or program director and have had at least 3 years working directly with children, you may qualify.
How much would I get paid as a PPTS?
Professional parenting time supervisors set their own hourly rate of pay.
Can I charge for mileage or travel time?
Professional parenting time supervisors cannot charge for travel time or mileage unless the roundtrip exceeds fifty miles, or the court order includes an order to transport a child(ren).
How would I know how much to charge per hour as a PPTS?
You may want to take into consideration that you cannot charge for mileage under 50 miles roundtrip, that you will need to have a written contract with each party, that you will need to purchase a liability insurance, and there will be administrative costs for maintain your files, wear, and tear on your vehicle etc.
Where would I go to find Liability Insurance?
If you are a teacher or a social worker or in a similar profession, your national professional organizations can generally provide this type of information, or you could reach out to your own insurance agent to inquire.
Is there any special training I would need to become a PPTS?
Yes, all Professional Parenting Time Supervisors must take a 3-hour course called “Mandatory Probate and Family Court Category AA Training for those seeking to be Professional Parenting Time Supervisors”. It is an on-line course offered by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (“MCLE”) and the cost is $82.50 for non-lawyers. You can find more information about the training at the MCLE website.
How do I apply to be a PPTS?
By visiting: Fee generating appointments in the Probate and Family Court | Mass.gov and completing the application for Category AA, attaching a copy of your current resume and a copy of your insurance binder, and emailing it to: pandf.feegenerating@jud.state.ma.us
What happens after I apply?
Once we have received a completed application, a current resume, and a copy of your insurance binder, your application will be reviewed. If you meet all the criteria found in the Guidelines for Professional Parenting Time Supervisors, you will be contacted to meet with Administrative Office of the Probate and Family Court staff for an interview.
How should I prepare for the interview?
You should print the Guidelines for Professional Parenting Time Supervisors and review them carefully. You should also take the “Mandatory Probate and Family Court Category AA Training for those seeking to be Professional Parenting Time Supervisors” at MCLE mentioned above. Your interview will be an assessment of your knowledge of the Guidelines and what has been taught in the MCLE course.
What happens after the interview?
If you pass the interview, you will be asked to fill out a CARI background check form. If you pass the background check, you will be directed to take the mandated online Trial Court Domestic Violence course. This course is free.
When can I start receiving appointments from the court?
As soon as you have provided your certificate of completion of the domestic violence course, your name will be added to a list of approved Professional Parenting Time Supervisors which the Court will use to make appointments in court cases.
Where can I go if I have more questions?
You can email pandf.feegenerating@jud.state.ma.us with questions about professional parenting time supervision.