Court permits supervised visitation for defendant amidst child welfare concerns

The morning docket of the 187th District Court on June 9, 2025, presided over by Judge Stephanie Boyd, addressed several key issues, primarily focusing on visitation rights and discovery matters in a case involving a defendant and their children.

During the proceedings, it was confirmed that the victim in the case has no objections to the defendant having contact with the children. However, Judge Boyd emphasized that any visitation must be supervised due to the nature of the case and the absence of Child Protective Services (CPS) involvement. The judge expressed concern over the lack of CPS oversight, which is typically standard in such cases.

The court outlined that the defendant would need to arrange supervised visitation through an approved party, which could include family members such as a mother or aunt. The judge clarified that while she is allowing visitation, it is crucial that it remains supervised to ensure the safety of the minors involved.

Additionally, the court discussed the timeline for discovery, indicating that the defense is expected to provide necessary documentation and an offer within 30 days. The judge reiterated the importance of adhering to these timelines to facilitate the legal process.

In conclusion, the court's decision to permit supervised visitation reflects a cautious approach to ensure the welfare of the children while navigating the complexities of the case. The next steps will involve the arrangement of visitation and the completion of discovery requirements.