FAQs

How do I get the process started?

In most cases, a TI process is initiated by one party and their attorney, by stipulation of both parties, or the Court. Regardless, Dr. DiCarlo must be appointed by the Court before starting the process. It is important for the initiating party to confirm Dr. DiCarlo’s availability before asking the Court to appoint him. There may be a wait list to start a new TI process, as Dr. DiCarlo limits his case load to ensure he is able to attend to your family’s needs. Please direct all inquiries to Dr. DiCarlo’s forensic case manager, Kelli Benavides.

If the Court has ordered “reunification” between a child and a parent/caregiver, there are some important things you need to prepare for. Although court-appointed Therapeutic Intervention (TI) or Court Ordered Behavioral Intervention (COBI) encompasses a range of therapeutic services, it is most often initiated for therapeutic reunification when parent-child contact problems exist. Dr. DiCarlo uses a structured process that requires a strong commitment by both the interventionist and the caregivers. Not all cases are appropriate for reunification work or may require a different type of intervention. In general, parents should be prepared to agree to the following conditions:

1. Contact with both parents is in the best interest of the child(ren);

2. The parents will work collaboratively with the TI to support the child(ren)’s contact with each parent;

3. Both parents will engage in appropriate co-parenting based on guidelines provided during the intervention.

Most importantly, Dr. DiCarlo’s process is not used to determine if reunification is appropriate, but when and under what circumstances reunification should occur. Like the caregivers, it is Dr. DiCarlo’s responsibility as an appointee of the Court to uphold the Court’s orders. If you are uncertain about the appropriateness of reunification between your child(ren) and the other caregiver, you are encouraged to speak with your attorney or seek legal advice. If you or your co-parent have active Orders Of Protection against the other and are unwilling to agree to provisions to allow for co-parenting communication during the intervention, Dr. DiCarlo’s intervention is not appropriate. Dr. DiCarlo is happy to discuss with your family or your attorneys any resources and steps needed to prepare your family for a successful intervention with Dr. DiCarlo in the future.

How much does this service cost?

The cost of a TI process varies considerably. Factors affecting cost include the number of children and caregivers, complexity of the issues, and the cooperation of the parties and attorneys. An “advance fee” of $4,000 is due at the onset of the process. The Court determines the specific fee split (e.g., 50% per parent) as to who must pay. Dr. DiCarlo bills his normal forensic rate of $350 per hour for all clinical/forensic services. The cost usually exceeds the initial advance fee, and replenishment of funds may be necessary to continue the process. Dr. DiCarlo will utilize forensic assistants to reduce cost to any degree possible. The cost of the intervention does not include expert testimony by deposition or in court, if requested.

What can I expect out of the process and procedures?

Most TI processes include the following procedures, which may help in estimating cost. This is an estimation only, and individual evaluations may differ.

• 30-minute initial attorney teleconference

• 60-90 minute intake interview with each parent/caregiver

• 30-60 minute intake interview with every involved child

• 60 minute initial treatment planning meeting with the co-parents/caregivers

• 3-6 hours to review documents, intake information, and write an initial update to the Court

• 60-90 minutes of therapy sessions per week

• 1-3 hours of collateral calls, emails, or coordination of care contacts per month

• 1-3 hours of report writing every 90 days (quarterly update)

• 30-60 minutes every 60-90 days for participation in status conferences (fees/rate different for testimony at a hearing or trial)

How long does the process take?

The typical TI process varies in timeframes base on the aforementioned factors. Sometimes there is a wait list to formally begin the process. Once started, the initial interviews and document review occurs within the first 30 days. The family members are expected to be available to meet on a weekly or every-other-week basis in most cases to do the initial work. In most cases, we accomplish the majority of the therapeutic tasks within about four months. Thereafter, Dr. DiCarlo may meet less often through the remainder of his appointment term. Some families are only met with once per month for check ins once the initial work is done. Some more severe or complex cases may take longer. Sometimes procedural or litigation issues cause a delay or suspension in the process.

How should I communicate with the appointee or therapist?

It is important that the parents/litigants do not communicate with Dr. DiCarlo directly before the intervention begins for the integrity of your case. One parent communicating with the interventionist can lead to allegations that the parent has biased the therapist. For procedural questions or to schedule a joint case consultation, please contact Dr. DiCarlo’s forensic case manager, Kelli Benavides. Attorneys and Parties should not share specific case facts or allegations with Dr. DiCarlo’s office before the process begins unless specifically asked and both parties or their representatives are present. Attorneys and Parties should not send Dr. DiCarlo’s office unsolicited documents or records unless specifically asked to do so.

What is the difference between a “TI” and a “COBI”?

Many families, attorneys, and even other court-appointed therapists have questions about the difference between a court-appointed “TI” and a “COBI.” The TI role is generally broader in that it can fulfill many different purposes in which a court-informed or forensically-informed therapist is needed. In most cases in Maricopa County, the TI has become the “go-to” intervention for the purpose of reunifying a parent and child or children when divorce or separation is a factor. Unfortunately, sometimes parents or attorneys will use the TI process to investigate allegations or concerns, with no real intent to support the relationship between a child and the other parent or caregiver. When the incorrect or premature intervention is chosen, it can create costly delays and harm to families. The relatively newer COBI process was created to address this problem in part. The appointment of a COBI was envisioned to occur only after the Court has issued findings on parental fitness; thereby eliminating the potential for parties to argue against reunification goals. The COBI can also be said to be more directive and behaviorally-based; whereas ,the TI process may employ more of a Family Systems approach to treating the family. The processes are similar, however, in that they both provide guidance, structure, and court oversight to complex family problems. Dr. DiCarlo treats TI and COBI process similarly because he refers out cases in which one or both caregivers argue against reunification. In those cases, an evaluation is more appropriate prior to beginning a therapy process.