New Arizona Law Ends Forced ‘Reunification Camps’ in Child Custody Disputes

For children caught in custody disputes, the idea of being sent away to a “reunification camp” has caused immense fear and confusion. These programs, often court-ordered, claimed to mend fractured family relationships, but too often, they inflicted further trauma. 

Your child being suddenly taken from your home and put somewhere new, sometimes with threats or alone, is terrifying. Parents in Arizona have lived this nightmare, feeling helpless and asking if there was anything they could do to protect their kids.

Help is here. A new Arizona law, Senate Bill 1372 (SB 1372), has put a stop to these harmful practices, ensuring children in custody disputes are no longer forced into such programs without critical safeguards. 

When you have questions about child custody, we’re here to help. At Blake & Pulsifer, PLC, our Arizona child custody lawyers want to help you protect your children and your parenting rights at every stage of life. Give us a call at 480-838-3000.

What is Reunification and Why do Courts Order It?

When the relationship between a child and a parent breaks down, often after a tough divorce or a long separation, the courts sometimes recommend something called reunification. This is about helping the child and parent rebuild their connection, so the child feels safe and comfortable with both parents again.

Courts often suggested reunification because they believed children generally do better when they have a good relationship with both parents. If a child started resisting one parent or the bond was completely broken, courts viewed this as something that needed to be addressed for the child’s long-term well-being.

Why Arizona Needed This Law

Before SB 1372, family courts in Arizona could order children to attend “reunification treatment” or “camps.” These programs, often costly and unregulated, aimed to repair relationships between children and a parent they were estranged from, sometimes due to accusations of “parental alienation.”

The reality of these programs was often far from therapeutic. Children have said they were cut off from the parent who kept them safe, faced scary tactics, and were even moved out of Arizona without their agreement. There wasn’t enough oversight, so some of these programs ran without truly looking out for a child’s emotional and physical safety. Instead of helping, they sometimes made things worse.This left many children feeling unheard and unprotected.

What the New Law Does

Senate Bill 1372, which became effective on the general effective date in 2024, significantly changes how family reunification treatment can be ordered in Arizona. The law amends Title 25, Chapter 4, Article 1 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, adding Section 25-418. This new section states that a court cannot order family reunification treatment if, as a condition of participation, it requires or results in any of the following, unless both parents consent:

• A no-contact order with the “aligned parent”: This means the child cannot be cut off from the parent with whom they have a bond.
• An overnight, out-of-state, or multi-day stay: This stops programs from holding children away from their familiar surroundings for extended periods.
• A transfer of physical or legal custody of the child: This prevents a court order for reunification from being used to automatically shift custody.
• The use of private youth transporters or agents who use force or threats: This prohibits the use of individuals who might intimidate or physically restrain children during transport.
• The use of threats of physical force, undue coercion, verbal abuse, or isolation: This ensures that any program used must be therapeutic and not abusive.

The law defines “family reunification treatment” broadly to include any “treatment, therapy, program, service, or camp that is aimed at reuniting or reestablishing a relationship between a child and an estranged or rejected parent.”

This new law means courts can no longer force children into certain reunification programs if either parent objects to the conditions we just talked about. It’s a real step forward in protecting children from practices that have often caused more damage than good. This change puts the power back with parents and ensures that decisions about a child’s well-being truly focus on their safety and emotional health.

Protecting Your Child During and After Divorce in Arizona

Protecting your child and ensuring their well-being is everything, and the path to get there can feel overwhelming.

If you’re worried about your relationship with your child, please know that genuine reunification happens through healthy, willing engagement, not through force or fear. The new law acknowledges this.

At Blake & Pulsifer, PLC, we believe in making the client the central focus of the representation. We strive to understand our clients’ personal values, goals, and family situations, and to provide legal services that support their objectives. This new law aligns with our commitment to protecting children and ensuring their best interests are at the forefront of every family law decision.

To discuss your child custody concerns or learn more about how this new law impacts your family, call Blake & Pulsifer today at 480-838-3000 or fill out our confidential contact form.

Daniel Tan

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