Therapeutic Family Time & Reunification2026-09-28T18:16:29-04:00

Family Support Services

Therapeutic Family Time & Reunification

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Therapeutic Family Time & Reunification services support families involved with the child welfare system by strengthening parent-child relationships, promoting safe family connections, and working toward successful reunification whenever possible.

Who We Serve

Therapeutic Family Time & Reunification services are designed for:

  • Families involved with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF)

  • Parents or caregivers whose children are temporarily placed outside of the home

  • Children and youth who require structured, supervised, and therapeutic family contact

  • Families working toward reunification or stabilization of family relationships

Services are referral-based and are provided to families living within United Services’ service area in Northeastern Connecticut.

Services Provided

Families participating in Therapeutic Family Time & Reunification receive structured, clinically informed support designed to strengthen family bonds and promote safe, healthy interactions.

Services may include:

  • Supervised and therapeutic family visitation in a safe, supportive setting
  • Coaching and modeling of positive parenting strategies during family time
  • Support for improving communication, emotional regulation, and parent-child attachment
  • Skill-building to address concerns that led to child placement or supervision requirements
  • Ongoing collaboration with DCF and other involved providers

Family time sessions are guided by trained clinicians or family support staff who focus on the emotional and developmental needs of the child while supporting parents in building the skills necessary for reunification. Services are individualized based on family goals, court expectations, and DCF service plans.

How to Access Services

Therapeutic Family Time & Reunification services are accessed by referral only through the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.

Referrals are made by DCF social workers as part of an Intensive Family Preservation or reunification plan. Families who have questions about services are encouraged to speak with their DCF worker for more information.

Locations Providing This Service

Therapeutic Family Time & Reunification services are provided throughout United Services’ Northeastern Connecticut service area and may take place in:

  • United Services Centers

  • Approved community-based locations

  • Other appropriate supervised settings identified in collaboration with DCF

Service locations are determined based on family needs, safety considerations, and DCF requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

The primary goal is to support safe, healthy family connections and help families build the skills needed to work toward reunification or long-term family stability.

Yes. Family time is supervised and facilitated by trained staff to ensure safety and to provide therapeutic guidance during visits.

All referrals are made through the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Yes. Services are typically time-limited and based on the goals outlined in the family’s DCF service plan.

No. Therapeutic Family Time & Reunification services are provided at no cost to families referred through DCF.

Funding for this program is provided by the CT Department of Children and Families (DCF).

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