Legislative Action Hub

States that have restricted or banned reunification therapy or intensive reunification programs (often referred to as reunification camps):

Texas HB 3783, introduced by Rep. Lacey Hull, R-Houston, was enacted on June 20, 2025, and took effect immediately. This law limits court ordered counseling in suits affecting the parent/child relationship by prohibiting any program that requires “no contact” with the aligned parent or other family members, an overnight out-of-state or multi-day stay for the child, a transfer of custody, the use of private transporters who use force or threats or create unsafe conditions, or the use of threats, undue coercion, verbal abuse, or isolation of the child from family, community, education, religion, or other support sources. It also requires that any mental health professional providing court ordered counseling have training in the dynamics of family violence, requires the court to consider a history of domestic violence or sexual abuse when deciding whether to order counseling, and prohibits ordering a victim to participate in counseling with the offending party.

California: SB 331 (Piqui's Law), introduced by Senator Susan Rubio, was enacted on January 1, 2024. This law prohibits courts from ordering reunification programs, services, or treatments in cases involving domestic violence or child abuse. It also mandates the development of critical training for judicial officers handling domestic violence and child custody matters and establishes reporting requirements to track judicial officers' participation in education and training.

Colorado: HB 24-1350, introduced by Representative Meg Froelich, was enacted in May 2023. This law prohibits courts from ordering any reunification treatment unless there is scientifically valid and widely accepted evidence proving its safety, effectiveness, and therapeutic value. It addresses concerns about past reunification camps that isolated children from trusted caregivers, leading to cases of child abuse. These unregulated programs lacked scientific support and failed to meet professional standards of care.

Arizona: SB 1372, introduced by Senator Bolick, was enacted in April 2023. This law prohibits courts from ordering family reunification treatment that requires a change in custody or parental contact, or the use of threats or certain transport services, unless both parents consent.

Utah: HB 272 (Om's Law), introduced by Senator McKell, was enacted in 2024. This law prohibits courts in child custody cases involving suspected abuse or domestic violence from ordering reunification programs unless they are proven safe and effective. It also prevents courts from requiring the child to be cut off from a safe, bonded parent. Any order must prioritize the child’s safety, focus on the abusive parent’s behavior, and only require mental health treatment if it poses no risk to the child.

Tennessee: HB 940 / SB 722 (Abrial’s Law), introduced by Representative Massey, was enacted in January 2024. This law requires courts in custody cases involving allegations of domestic violence, child abuse, or sexual abuse to rely on current, valid, evidence-based, and peer-reviewed research when making decisions. Courts cannot allow unscientific practices or rely on professionals using such methods. Reunification treatments may only be ordered if scientifically proven to be safe, effective, and therapeutic. Additionally, such treatments cannot involve cutting off a bonded parent, and any efforts to repair a child’s relationship with an accused abusive parent must prioritize addressing the accused parent’s behavior.

New Hampshire: HB 306, introduced by Representatives Gay, Cushman, and Nutter-Upham, was enacted in 2024. This law prohibits courts from ordering family reunification treatments, programs, or services that involve no-contact orders, overnight or multi-day stays, transfers of custody, the use of private transporters involving force or threats, or any coercive or abusive practices. The law takes effect on July 1, 2024.