Parent Testifies to Abuse of Power by Therapeutic Interventionists in Arizona Family Court

The Joint Legislative Ad Hoc Committee on Family Court Orders convened on May 12, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding the operations of family courts in Arizona, particularly focusing on high-conflict custody cases. The meeting highlighted concerns regarding the role of Therapeutic Interventionists (TIs) and the financial implications of their involvement in family court proceedings.

The discussion began with an examination of how TIs are appointed in custody cases, often leading to significant financial burdens for families. It was noted that TIs, who may be therapists or psychologists, create a revenue stream through mandated therapy sessions, which can cost families upwards of $50,000 annually. The committee heard testimony suggesting that the length of these interventions often depends on the TI's ability to resolve issues, raising questions about whether they are incentivized to prolong conflicts for financial gain.

A key point raised was the requirement for parents to submit an Affidavit of Financial Information (AFI), which TIs use to assess the financial capabilities of each parent. This practice has led to concerns about the potential for bias, as TIs may favor one parent over another, creating a "false narrative" that can adversely affect custody decisions. Testimonies indicated that this bias often results in abusive parents gaining temporary custody, while the protective parent is portrayed negatively.

The committee also discussed the implications of court-ordered psychological evaluations, which are frequently not covered by insurance. Testimonies revealed instances where parents were compelled to undergo multiple evaluations, often at significant costs, without just cause. The process was described as lacking due process, with parents feeling their rights were violated through unjustified no-contact orders and prolonged separation from their children.

Concerns were raised about the influence of TIs on judicial decisions, with claims that judges often rely heavily on TI recommendations without adequately considering contrary evidence. This reliance on non-elected professionals raises questions about accountability and the potential for abuse of power within the family court system.

The meeting concluded with a call for greater oversight and reform in the family court process, emphasizing the need for checks and balances to protect parental rights and ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of children. The committee plans to gather more evidence and testimonies over the summer to further investigate these issues and explore potential legislative solutions.