What is a Reunification Readiness Evaluation?
A Reunification Readiness Evaluation is a brief, structured clinical assessment designed to help determine a child’s emotional readiness to re-engage with a parent following separation, conflict, or disrupted contact.
This evaluation focuses on:
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The child’s emotional experience and readiness for contact
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Parent-child relationship dynamics
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Barriers contributing to resistance or avoidance
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Clinically appropriate next steps to support reunification
This service is especially helpful in situations where:
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A child is refusing or avoiding contact with a parent
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Families are navigating high-conflict co-parenting
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Additional clinical clarity is needed before initiating reunification
What to Expect
The evaluation is completed over 2–3 sessions and includes:
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Parent clinical interview
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Child clinical interview
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Parent-child interaction observation
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Use of standardized measures assessing:
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Emotional functioning (anxiety, stress)
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Relationship dynamics
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Following the evaluation, a comprehensive written report is provided, including:
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Clinical impressions
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Identified strengths and barriers
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Structured recommendations for next steps
Timeline:
Most evaluations are completed within 2–3 weeks.
Why This Evaluation is Important
When a child resists contact with a parent, it can be difficult to determine:
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Whether the resistance is driven by anxiety, relational strain, or other factors
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What pace and structure of reunification is appropriate
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How to move forward in a way that supports the child’s emotional well-being
This evaluation provides objective, clinically informed guidance to help:
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Reduce conflict and uncertainty
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Support safe and effective reunification
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Create a clear, structured path forward
Who This Service is For
This service is appropriate for:
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Family law attorneys
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Guardian ad Litems
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Parents navigating high-conflict co-parenting
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Families considering or preparing for reunification therapy
Important Note
This is a clinical evaluation, not a custody evaluation.
This service:
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Does not provide custody recommendations
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Does not determine legal decision-making
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Is designed to offer clinical insight and recommendations to support the reunification process
Investment
Reunification Readiness Evaluations are offered at a flat rate of $1,100.
This includes:
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All evaluation sessions
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Review of relevant information
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A comprehensive written report
About the Evaluator
Alexis Beckford, LCSW is the founder of The Traveling Therapist Co. and specializes in working with children and families in high-conflict and reunification-focused cases. She has advanced training in reunification therapy, parent coaching, and working with court-involved families.