Reunification vs Visitation
Family reunification services and therapeutic visitation are related but distinct services often used in child welfare, family court, or high-conflict family situations. The key differences lie in purpose, focus and goals.
Family Reunification Services
Purpose
Rebuild or repair a disrupted parent–child relationship after separation, estrangement, or extended absence (e.g., removal from the home, incarceration, high-conflict divorce, or abuse allegations).
Focus
- Address underlying relational ruptures and emotional injuries
- Process past experiences and rebuild trust and attachment
- Improve communication, emotional safety, and boundaries
- Prepare the family for healthy, ongoing contact
Goal
Restoration of a safe, healthy, and sustainable parent–child relationship, often leading to normalized visitation or reunification in the home.
Therapeutic Visitation
Purpose
Support safe, structured contact between a child and parent when regular visitation is not appropriate.
Focus
- Ensure emotional and physical safety during visits
- Observe and coach parent–child interactions in real time
- Support positive engagement and regulation
- Reduce anxiety or distress related to visits
Goal
Stabilize and support parent–child contact and determine readiness for less-restrictive visitation or reunification services.
Other Key Similarities and Differences at a Glance:
