§364.1.  Visitation with incarcerated parent

A.  If the court authorizes visitation with an incarcerated parent, as part of such visitation order the court shall include restrictions, conditions, and safeguards as are necessary to protect the mental and physical health of the child and minimize the risk of harm to the child.

B.  A court considering the supervised visitation of a minor child with an incarcerated parent shall consider the best interest of the child, including but not limited to:

(1)  The length and quality of the prior relationship between the child and the parent.

(2)  Whether the child is in need of guidance, enlightenment, or tutelage which can best be provided by the parent.

(3)  The preference of the child if he is determined to be of sufficient maturity to express a preference.

(4)  The willingness of the relative to encourage a close relationship between the child and his parent or parents, including the willingness of the child's custodial parent, caretaker, or legal guardian to voluntarily take the child to the incarcerated parent's place of incarceration for supervised visitation.

(5)  The mental and physical health of the child and the parent.

(6)  The length of time that the child lived with the parent prior to the parent's incarceration.

(7)  The desirability of maintaining the continuity of the relationship between the child and the incarcerated parent.

(8)  The costs of travel and other expenses incurred by visitation at the place of incarceration, and who will bear responsibility for such costs.

(9)  The effect upon the child of supervised visitation in the place of incarceration and the feasibility, if any, of alternative or additional use of technology for visitation pursuant to R.S. 9:357.

(10)  Other testimony or evidence as the court may consider applicable.

Acts 2014, No. 383, §1.