Reunification program is a Parent-child relationship building program which occurs between parent and child whose relationship has been severed. The goal of this intervention program is to restore the relationship between the parent and child. 

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How long does Reunification Program take?

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Due to the complex nature of these cases, progress is best assessed on a short-term basis and the length of case may vary. 

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 The following factors will be considered:

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1.    Age of the children

2.    Length of rupture in the parent-child relationship

3.    Level of resistance of visitation of children

4.    Factors that led to parent estrangement

5.    Level of cooperation of each parent

6.    Number of children involved in the reunification process

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What does the process of Parent- Child Reunification entail?

The first step consists of a phone conversation to discuss the case. Any court-related documentation that makes reference to Parent-Child reunification will be requested, as well as releases of information, signed by all parties, that will allow Building Families First to communicate with case attorneys, treating professionals, and the Guardian ad Litem (if there is one assigned to the case). Additionally, we will provide a contract for services for each party to sign, indicating agreement with participation in Parent-Child reunification.
 

The sessions that are involved in the Parent-Child Reunification process have several components dependent on restrictions placed by the court. 

Intake: Each parent separately will meet with the Social Worker for an intake session to gather historical information about the child, family, and couple that is relevant to the reunification process.

Sessions with the children: Depending on the situation, we may meet individually with the children in order to determine level of readiness for visitations with the non-timesharing parent, and each child living at home will also need to meet for an initial assessment. 

Meeting with parents: We may request to meet with each parent separately to address concerns that arise in the individual sessions with the children. This will be an opportunity for the parents to obtain education on parenting skills that will support the reunification process and an adaptive home environment.

Visitations at the office: Visitations between the non-timesharing parent and child will occur in the office within supportive but structured sessions. Sometimes we may use natural meeting locations that include community parks, Science Museum, Restaurant...

Please be aware that, because of the complexity of these cases and various reactions children may experience, the reunification process is not a linear process and may involve repeating some of the components listed below more than once. Reunification is also not a guarantee and will be highly dependent on your involvement and follow through of our program recommendations.

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BFF mediation will supervise a visit with parent/guadian and child(ren) documenting no-verbal, verbal and physical interactions, in this setting, mediation supervisor may offer guidelines and tips to parent/guadian to best improve interactions and relationship. The program has five stages to be completed. 

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• Stage l:  Parent-child relationship.

 

• Stage ll: Parent-child communication building.

 

• Stage lll: Parent-child emotion reconciliation.

 

• Stage lV: Parent-child unification with siblings/family.

• Stage V: Parents/ Co-parenting.​​