Reunification Therapy

To do’s For Court Ordered Reunification Therapy

We understand a family’s eagerness to start the reunification process, this section has been created to help families understand how to start the reunification process in this safe and efficient way. We hope that the families will gain some insight into what to expect, but also to build a sense of trust in both the provider and the process. We also understand that all families are unique, well this is a general format of how the process begins it is important to understand that each family may have a unique process depending on the family's needs.

Providers are neutral, objective facilitators in the reunification process, we work diligently to maintain the safety of the children but also of parental rights.

1. Parties will need to contact Martinez Counseling Services. They can call my office at 210-385-2140, or email me at Martinezcounseling.services@gmail.com to provide preliminary information to begin the process, including attorney information.

2. A signed court order needs to be provided to Martinez Counseling Services by the attorneys, this ensures both parties are aware that services are being requested and have consented to move forward. At this point the provider will send the attorney all of the forms needed to begin services. Any clarification needed will be done with the attorneys.

3. The Service Agreement will be provided to all parties, including the attorneys, a retainer is requested in the service agreement.

4. Once the service agreement is obtained from both parties and retainer has been received, Martinez Counseling Services will set up the intake appointments. All pertinent (divorce decrees, psychological reports, custody agreement orders etc.) information regarding the case will be sent to Martinez Counseling Services for review.

Martinez Counseling Services views this process as an opportunity for success, familial relationships are incredibly important to children, our community and society as a whole.

Martinez Counseling Services can provide a sample court order or speak with both attorneys to assist in the success of the reunification process. There is no confidentiality when working with the reunification process, attorneys can be a part of and involved in any communication. Martinez Counseling Services understands that this type of transparency can be uncomfortable for some parties, however, providing a neutral, objective but knowledgeable space will help the family in their desire for successful reunification services.

Once appointments have been set up-

1. Appointments for the children- Ms. Martinez prefers to see the children first, intake does need a parental consent signature, but the child will be met individually after consents forms have been signed.

2. Appointments for the parents- both parents will attend an intake session, this session is intended to gather personal information on the parental perspective and assess readiness on moving toward the parent /child sessions. The children’s safety is seen as the priority.

3. Once all parties have attended intake and all pertinent information has been reviewed (8-10 hrs), a treatment plan will be formulated, the treatment plan may include individual sessions, parent sessions, or parent /child sessions. All parties will be given the opportunity to review treatment plan. The Treatment plan is the ultimate goal in reunifying a family however, it will be done so, with caution and respect of all parties.

A note on -

a. Intake with the parents- the service agreement will be reviewed to ensure the parties have a full understanding of what to expect and what will occurred during treatment.

b. Individual sessions - these sessions are not intended to be long term, they are intended to assist the person in transitioning into a parent child session. If long term treatment is needed Martinez Counseling Services will make a recommendation for an external individual therapist. This therapist will work in conjunction and collaboratively with Martinez Counseling Services.

c. Seeing parents together- The reunification process may request the parents coming together to discuss progress or address any needs, if appropriate.

d. Abuse allegations – All allegations are taken seriously, allegations of abuse are reported, however this may not prohibit moving into the reunification process.

Parents and attorneys have an opportunity to either call or email with questions or concerns regarding the service agreement before signing.