Use of the One-Way Mirror in Child Custody Reunification Cases

When a Child Rejects a Parent: Tailoring the Intervention to Fit the Problem

“…There has been considerable discussion and debate about the advisability, nature and outcome of interventions with families in which a child expresses reluctance or outright refusal to spend time with a parent, or expresses seemingly unrealistically negative attitudes toward a parent following parental separation (Baker, 2007; Freeman & Freeman, 2003; Garber, 2007; Gardner, 2004; Johnston & Kelly, 2004; Johnston, Walters, & Friedlander, 2001; Kopetski, 2006; Rand & Rand, 2006; Rand, Rand, & Kopetski, 2005; Stoltz & Ney, 2002; Sullivan & Kelly, 2001). Although there have been recent clinical accounts of interventions with such families that appear to be helpful (Baker & Andre, 2008; Everett, 2006; Sullivan, Ward, & Deutsch, 2010; Ward, 2007; Weitzman, 2004; Warshak, 2010), there are no reports of controlled empirical studies of the efficacy of such interventions.…”

A Comprehensive Guide to Child Custody Evaluations: Mental Health and Legal Perspectives

“…Weitzman (2004) has proposed using a one-way mirror to desensitize the child, providing an opportunity for the child to view and talk to the parent in a less anxiety-provoking setting before introducing face-to-face contact. Gardner (1998b) has proposed using neutral "transitional sites" for initial visitation in PAS cases, including residential treatment centers and visitation centers.…”