EXCLUSIVE: Child Protective Services: Mel Gibson An Excellent Dad

Mel Gibson is viewed as an excellent father to his 8-month-old daughter Lucia by the Department of Children and Family Services, RadarOnline.com has learned exclusively.

DCFS launched an investigation as Mel, 54, and Oksana Grigorieva, 40, trade allegations in their bitter breakup and the Oscar-winning star is accused of punching his ex while she held their daughter.

But RadarOnline.com has learned that at this point Mel is in no danger of losing access to his daughter, and in fact is viewed as an excellent father who has a strong relationship with Lucia.

"The Department of Children and Family Services believes Mel has a wonderful relationship with his infant daughter Lucia,” a source close to the actor told RadarOnline.com. DCFS visited Gibson at his home last week, as RadarOnline.com was first to report.

“They have a very healthy father-daughter relationship,” the source said. “He is very involved with her.

“Mel is a great father to her and this is why there have been no changes as far as his visits with her are concerned."

It’s good news for Gibson, who is being investigated by the L A. County Sheriff’s Department on domestic violence charges. His ex has produced powerful evidence indicating he hit her on January 6.

Oksana’s mouth was damaged and she suffered a concussion. RadarOnline.com exclusively published photographs of her damaged teeth and bruising on the left side of her head.

RadarOnline.com confirmed that Gibson was interviewed by the Sheriff’s department on Sunday but refused to talk about the domestic violence case. His Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination helped his lawyer limit the scope of the interview.

EXCLUSIVE PHOTO of Oksana After She Says Mel Punched Her

The best news for Gibson so far is that DCFS believes Lucia is safe with him. “Mel has been lamenting that he made a mistake in ending his marriage to Robyn,” the source close to the actor told RadarOnline.com. “Robyn kept him together. As far as DCFS is concerned Mel is an outstanding father. Lucia is safe emotionally and physically with Mel, and that is the only concern for officials."

Despite some media reports that it was Gibson's idea to have a volunteer monitor his visitation with Lucia, RadarOnline.com has learned it was the DCFS's suggestion.

"The idea was actually from the social workers as a way to try and help the situation,” the source close to Mel said. “There is such heightened tension surrounding the care of Lucia that if she had an accident… now there will be an independent witness to alleviate any potential issues."

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Mel & Oksana Talk To RadarOnline.com In Happier Times

DCFS will continue to monitor the ongoing custody battle, RadarOnline.com has learned. The agency will conduct more interviews with people connected to caring for Lucia.