Reunification Counseling, sometimes court-ordered in families disrupted by separation, is when therapeutic sessions are held with parent(s) and a minor child to bridge the gap between them that was caused due to estrangement, isolation, or previous legal action.

Our 8-Session Reunification Counseling Model

– Session #1 and Session #2 are dedicated to the minor child. Your chosen Reunification Counselor will talk with the minor child about reunification, build rapport, and help them process their thoughts/feelings regarding the new circumstances. These 45-minute appointments are to be with only the child participating in an individual session. If the custodial parent is in the room, it is only for a limited amount of time, and only for the interest of the child feeling comfortable. The custodial parent will be expected to respect the process of reunification therapy.

– Sessions #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8 are dedicated to the reunification process. Each of these appointments are scheduled to be 45 minutes. The parent reunifying will be in a therapeutic environment with the minor child, engaging in conversation and activities that are aimed at the overarching goal of reunification. This parent is not to be left unsupervised with the minor child under any circumstances.

What to Expect

Paperwork

Prior to any sessions occurring, a court order is to be submitted and intake paperwork packets are to be completed. Court orders can be submitted, through fax or email, by either a parent/guardian or by the court.

Records and case files at Donarski Center for Mental Health Counseling (DCMHC) will be made in the child’s name.

The courts will determine which party will be responsible for payments. Otherwise, DCMHC will assign that role to he non-custodial (reunifying) parent. For billing purposes, all 8 sessions of the Reunification Counseling Model will have the same financially-responsible party. If a court order states parents are to split the cost, the individual who is financially responsible will be charged, and the parents will split costs after-the-fact.

Communication with the Counselor

A reunification counselor is either chosen by the court or determined by DCMHC based on the circumstances of the reunification case.

Each parent/guardian (custodial parent and non-custodial parent) will have equal access to the reunification counselor; however, only the non-custodial parent (reunifying parent) will be in the room with the minor child during the reunification sessions (session #3 through session #8). Additional time with the reunification counselor, by either parent or third party, is subject to further charge. We understand that reunification cases are delicate and complex for the parents to experience; we expect the parents to be considerate of the counselor’s time, and to document the pertinent historical information in the space provided on intake forms.

Each parent/guardian will have equal access to request progress notes of the sessions.

Each parent/guardian will sign an authorization to release information to respective attorneys and court personnel. Information relayed to attorneys during the reunification process will be limited. All parties involved are expected to respect the process.

What Happens Next?

After a completed 8-Session Reunification Counseling Model, the reunification counselor submits a confidential recommendation to the Friend of the Court.

Sessions will terminate after the 8-session model is completed, unless requested and approved by all parties involved.

The counselor can request an early termination of reunification therapy if any of the following conditions are met:

  • In the case where a party threatens the counselor in any way.
  • If the counselor feels that reunification is detrimental to the minor child’s emotional or physical wellbeing/ mental health. 
  • If the counselor believes that reunification is not serving the intended purpose.
  • If the counselor believes that some parties behave inappropriately in session, such as behaving too disruptively/aggressively in session after warning from the counselor, or if there is any attempt by the parties to force/coerce physical contact upon the minor child despite warnings against it. 

Minor children are welcome to continue therapy services after the 8-session Reunification Model is completed. Individual therapy services outside of the termed Reunification Counseling Model can continue with the previous counselor or can switch to a new clinician. Individual therapy services outside of the termed Reunification Counseling Model will be considered separate, and parents/guardians will not be expected to have release of information to attorneys. Confidentiality considerations for the minor child can be discussed further with the counselor, as they will be aligned with HIPAA regulations.