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(517) 740-9000 Client Portal
LOWDER PSYCHOLOGY GROUP
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Observed Parenting Time (OPT)

A safe and predictable environment for families.

OPT provides court-ordered supervised parenting time for families in Jackson and surrounding communities — helping children and parents maintain and strengthen their relationships.

Request an Appointment→Call (517) 740-9000→
A parent and child walking hand in hand along a lakeside path
Affiliated nonprofit · (517) 998-0002
One person's hand resting reassuringly on another's
What Is Supervised Parenting Time?

Structure and safety, with room to connect naturally

Supervised parenting time allows a parent and child to spend time together while a trained OPT worker is present to monitor the interaction, promote safety, and ensure compliance with the court order.

OPT services are provided by qualified staff trained to supervise parent-child interactions and ensure that visits are conducted in accordance with the requirements established by the court.

Community-Based Parenting Time

Visits in natural settings — not an office

Depending on the court order and circumstances of the family, visits may take place in the community or in a parent's home, so families can share everyday activities while maintaining required supervision.

A lone tree on a grassy hillside at sunrise, overlooking a lake

In the community

Parks, libraries, restaurants, and other everyday places.

A cup of tea beside a potted plant on a wooden table

In a parent's home

Familiar routines, when permitted by the court order.

An olive branch against a sunlit wall

Everyday activities

Meals, play, homework — meaningful time together.

How Does OPT Begin?

Three steps to your first visit

01

Referral or court order

The parent or attorney reaches out to provide family details, contact information, and the court order.

02

OPT contacts parents

Once the court order is received, a worker will be assigned to the family.

Complete the intake form→
03

Supervision per the order

The court determines frequency, length, and any conditions. OPT staff supervise in accordance with the order.

Helping Children Feel Comfortable

Familiar faces before the first visit

We understand that meeting a parenting-time supervisor for the first time may feel unfamiliar to a child. When appropriate, the supervisor will communicate with the custodial parent before parenting time begins and make arrangements to help the child become familiar with the supervisor before the first visit.

Our goal is for children to experience parenting time in an environment that is as comfortable, safe, and predictable as possible.

Forensic & Court-Related Services

Capacity-to-parent evaluations

Dr. Shannon Lowder conducts psychological evaluations for court-related matters, including capacity-to-parent evaluations.

Contact Dr. Lowder(517) 998-0002All psychological evaluations→
OPT Intake Form

Start the referral online.

Parents, attorneys, and court staff can share the case details here. Your submission goes directly to the OPT office, and we'll contact both parents to begin coordinating visits.

1 About youThe person completing this form.
2 ChildrenEach child who will participate in parenting time.
3 Custodial parentContact details and attorney, if represented.
Attorney
4 Visiting parentThe parent whose time will be supervised.
Attorney
5 Court information
6 PaymentWho is responsible for paying for supervised visits, per the court order?
Who pays for visits?
7 PPO & CPSThis helps us plan visits safely.
Is there a Personal Protection Order (PPO)?
Is there a current open CPS case?
Have the court order ready. OPT will contact you to arrange receipt of a copy of the order — visits are scheduled according to its terms.
OPT FAQ

Common questions

Contact OPT Observed Parenting Time (OPT) Affiliated with Lowder Psychology Group, LLC
1218 Greenwood Avenue
Jackson, Michigan 49203 Call (517) 998-0002→

The court establishes the requirements for supervised parenting time. OPT follows the provisions contained in the court order.

Payment responsibility is determined by the court order. Unless otherwise ordered, payment is generally the responsibility of the visiting parent.

Depending upon the court order and circumstances, supervised parenting time may take place in the community or in the parent's home.

Complete the online intake form or call OPT at (517) 998-0002 to provide the case details and make arrangements for sending a copy of the court order.