Reunification therapy has become a pivotal — and sometimes controversial — tool in child custody cases throughout Georgia and the United States. At Hobson & Hobson, P.C., we understand the complexities and sensitivities involved when families face high-conflict custody disputes. Our approach is grounded in over 30 years of combined experience, rigorous litigation training, and a steadfast commitment to protecting both parental rights and the well-being of children.
What Is Reunification Therapy?
Reunification therapy is a specialized intervention designed to repair and strengthen the relationship between a child and an estranged parent. It is most often court-ordered in situations involving parental alienation, high-conflict divorces, or prolonged separation. The process can range from traditional counseling sessions to more intensive reunification camps, where children and parents may spend days or even weeks working together under professional supervision.
Key Points:
- Therapy may be ordered by a judge as part of a custody or visitation arrangement.
- The process can involve restricted contact with the “preferred parent” during therapy.
- Non-compliance with court orders can result in extended therapy or legal penalties.
For more on our approach to child custody and reunification, visit Hobson & Hobson, P.C..
The Rise of Reunification Therapy in Georgia
In Georgia, reunification therapy is increasingly used to address complex custody disputes. However, the effectiveness and long-term outcomes of these interventions remain the subject of ongoing debate. While the state tracks the median time between a child’s removal and reunification, specific statistics on therapy outcomes are limited.
Recent Legislative Developments
Georgia is at the forefront of regulating reunification therapy. In February 2025, the Georgia House unanimously approved House Bill 253, which would prohibit judges from ordering children into programs that use force, threats, or distressing circumstances — including the use of private transporters to remove children from their homes. This legislative action follows national scrutiny and concerns raised by family advocacy groups and investigative journalism, such as The Wall Street Journal, about the potential for trauma in some reunification programs.
Other states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, New Hampshire, and Tennessee, have enacted similar restrictions, reflecting a nationwide trend toward greater oversight and regulation.
Learn more about Georgia’s child welfare policies at Georgia Division of Family & Children Services.
Dangers of Reunification Therapy
While reunification therapy can be beneficial, it is not without risks. The dangers of reunification therapy are most pronounced in programs that:
- Use coercion, force, or abrupt separation from a preferred parent.
- Lack proper regulation or oversight.
- Employ unlicensed or inexperienced practitioners.
Potential Risks:
- Emotional distress or trauma for children, especially when participation is forced.
- Inconsistent quality and safety due to lack of uniform standards.
- Legal and ethical concerns about the use of physical or psychological pressure.
Family advocacy groups and mental health professionals emphasize that therapy should always be voluntary, trauma-informed, and tailored to the child’s needs. For more on the risks and controversies, see this Wall Street Journal investigation.
Reunification Camps: What Parents Need to Know
A reunification camp is an intensive, often multi-day program designed to rapidly repair parent-child relationships. These camps are controversial due to their intensity and the potential for distress, particularly when children are separated from their preferred parent without adequate preparation or consent.
Best Practices for Reunification Camps:
- Only use licensed, experienced therapists with expertise in family dynamics and child psychology.
- Avoid programs that use coercion or force.
- Ensure the program is tailored to the child’s age and emotional needs.
- Regularly review the child’s well-being and progress, with the option to modify or terminate therapy if it is not beneficial.
For more information on best practices, visit the American Psychological Association.
Who Pays for Reunification Therapy?
A common question in custody cases is who pays for reunification therapy. Typically:
- The costs are borne by the parents, either as agreed or as ordered by the court.
- Courts may allocate costs based on each party’s financial circumstances.
- Insurance rarely covers reunification therapy, especially for intensive camps or workshops.
It is crucial for parents to clarify payment responsibilities in any court order or settlement agreement. For guidance on managing therapy costs, see FindLaw’s guide on child custody and therapy costs.
Regulations, Policies, and Government Guidelines
In Georgia, family reunification is the preferred permanency planning option for children in state custody unless it is not in the child’s best interest. Courts must follow specific requirements for modifying custody orders to mandate reunification therapy, usually requiring a significant change in circumstances and a finding that the modification serves the child’s best interests.
Key Regulatory Trends:
- New legislation in Georgia and other states restricts the use of coercive or potentially harmful reunification programs.
- Courts are increasingly scrutinizing the qualifications and methods of therapists and programs.
- There is a growing emphasis on evidence-based, trauma-informed interventions.
For more on Georgia’s legal standards, consult the Georgia Code on Child Custody.
Our Approach at Hobson & Hobson, P.C.
At Hobson & Hobson, we advocate for the child’s best interests and ensure that any therapy ordered is both evidence-based and safe. Our attorneys:
- Scrutinize the qualifications and methods of proposed therapists or programs.
- Ensure that all court-ordered therapy complies with state law and recent legislative restrictions.
- Advise clients on their rights and obligations regarding participation and payment for therapy.
- Monitor compliance and advocate for modifications if therapy proves harmful or ineffective.
Our innovative use of technology and ongoing training ensures that we remain at the forefront of evolving family law practices, delivering efficient and effective outcomes for our clients.
Professional Advice and Insights
“The industry’s supporters see the treatments, sometimes held at dayslong camps, as a last-ditch option during bitter infighting between parents locked in intractable custody disputes.” — Wall Street Journal
“Family advocacy groups [have] documented concerns that some treatments traumatize children ordered by judges to take part in programs to repair relationships with a parent amid lengthy custody battles.” — Family Advocacy Coalition
Our advice: Always prioritize the child’s emotional safety and well-being. Consult with experienced family law attorneys and child psychologists before agreeing to or requesting reunification therapy. Ensure all interventions are voluntary, age-appropriate, and evidence-based.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is reunification therapy?
Reunification therapy is a court-ordered intervention aimed at repairing the relationship between a child and an estranged parent, often after high-conflict divorces or allegations of parental alienation.
Are reunification camps safe?
While some camps are run by licensed professionals and use evidence-based methods, others have been criticized for using coercive or traumatic practices. It is essential to research any program thoroughly and consult with legal and mental health professionals.
Who pays for reunification therapy?
Generally, the parents are responsible for the costs, as determined by the court. Insurance rarely covers these services.
What are the dangers of reunification therapy?
Potential dangers include emotional trauma, especially if therapy is forced or involves abrupt separation from a preferred parent. Lack of regulation can also lead to inconsistent quality and safety.
Can I refuse court-ordered reunification therapy?
Failure to comply with a court order can result in legal penalties. If you have concerns about the safety or appropriateness of a therapy program, consult your attorney immediately to seek a modification of the order.
Conclusion
Reunification therapy is a complex and evolving area of family law. At Hobson & Hobson, P.C., we are committed to guiding our clients through these challenging situations with professionalism, empathy, and a focus on the child’s best interests. If you are facing a custody dispute involving reunification therapy, contact us for an initial consultation to discuss your options and rights.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit Hobson & Hobson, P.C..
References and Further Reading:
- Georgia Division of Family & Children Services
- Wall Street Journal: Reunification Camps in Custody Battles
- American Psychological Association: Parental Alienation
- FindLaw: Child Custody and Therapy
- Georgia Code on Child Custody
Attorney Sarah Hobson at Hobson and Hobson, P.C. are powerful advocates for those who fight for better futures for those going through divorce and custody law matters.
