Reunification camps are a tactic that abusers use to maintain control over their victims after divorce. Here’s what you need to know.

Ty and Brynlee Larson, Maya and Sebastian Laing, Lexi, and Macy. What do these teenagers have in common?

What Are Reunification Camps?

Reunification camps are often presented as a solution for mending broken family relationships post-divorce. However, for many children who have protective mothers, these camps can be a living nightmare.

These camps claim to help mend relationships by providing a controlled environment where children and the non-custodial parent can rebuild their bond. However, the reality is far more sinister.

Reunification Camps: A Tactic for Control

Reunification camps are a tactic that abusers use to maintain control over their victims even after a divorce. These camps are not just about reconnecting with children; they are about reinforcing the abuser’s control and continuing the cycle of abuse.

Ty and Brynlee Larson, Maya and Sebastian Laing, Lexi, and Macy. are hurt by the alienation industry. These kids did drastic things—like locking themselves in rooms, running away, and hiding—to stay safe from their abusive parent. But the court took them away from the parent who was protecting them.

Gaslighting and Psychological Trauma

Reunification camp workers openly say their methods make kids and teens question their memories of abuse and stop trusting their own instincts. By using “memory games,” the staff convince kids who have talked about abuse that they can’t rely on what they remember.

Human Trafficking in Broad Daylight

Camps aren’t in every state where a court order sends kids. To avoid trafficking charges, camp staff often cross state lines and use temporary locations. Custody changes at each step; transport agents get guardianship, and when kids reach the camp, the camp owner takes over. In the end, the abuser gets custody back, but camp owners control the case for at least a year due to court orders.

Trauma for the Safe Parent

Children get more upset when they can’t see their safe parent. For example, after a four-day reunification camp, the parent they want to be with often can’t see them for 90 days. If they try to contact them, it starts over. This can last more than 90 days. Some parents don’t see their children for two or four years, and don’t even know where they are.

Reunification Camps Are A Court System Failure

Victims of abuse feel scared when they face the family court system while trying to leave their abuser. Many women are afraid to take steps to stay safe because they don’t want their children alone with the abuser. This problem makes victims stay in bad relationships because they fear losing their kids.

Anne Blythe, M.Ed, host of The FREE Betrayal Trauma Recovery Podcast, was accused of this when she petitioned the court to protect her children from her ex’s abuse. “They told me that my reports of abuse proved I had a problem, which was shocking to me. I had an active protective order and my ex had pled guilty to domestic violence. It made no sense.”

Emotional Appeal and Real-Life Tragedies

Om’s Story

On May 12, a 49-year-old father, Parth Gandhi, killed his 16-year-old son, Om, and then took his own life. The father was in a protracted family court child custody battle with the son’s mother, Leah Moses, who had alleged Parth’s violence and abuse. Despite her warnings, the court granted the father full custody, leading to this tragic outcome.

The Battle To Avoid Abusive Reunification Camps

Leah Moses advocated for the Keeping Children Safe From Family Violence Act to protect her son. However, the family court professionals did not act in time nor in the child’s best interest. Leah was viewed with suspicion, and despite presenting evidence of the father’s abusive behaviors, the court’s decision led to her son’s death.

Trying To Stop The Use Of Reunification Camps

Leah, along with other advocates, is pushing for Kayden’s Law, named after another child murdered by an abusive father during court-ordered custody. The law aims to better educate court professionals and improve how courts handle custody cases involving abuse allegations.

Passing Kayden’s Law could have stopped the harmful reunification camps and saved Om’s life. These camps cause mental harm and are dangerous for children and their caring parents.

If you are facing a similar situation, know that you are not alone. BTR.ORG offers strategies to help you navigate dealing with an abuser before, during, and after divorce. We’re here to support you and provide the resources you need to protect yourself and your children. Learn more about The Living Free Workshop.