Absent parent reunification counseling and warm-up parenting time
Some parents may wish to become part of their children’s lives after years of little or no involvement. The emotional issues for children and custodial parents are often very complicated and difficult to process. Most children and parents need professional help, such as reunification counseling, to build trust between the child and the absent parent. Counseling can help parents learn to communicate and cooperate for the benefit of their children.
Warm-up visitation plans are used to help children get to know or become reacquainted with a parent they may not have seen for a long time. Warm-up time may be supervised by a close relative or friend that the child knows well and can turn to for encouragement. Supervised visitation centers also may provide this service.