About Reunify Science

Applying behavior science to support families navigating high-conflict separation, with a commitment to ethical practice and evidence-based approaches.

Researcher with books and charts

Our Mission

Reunify Science applies behavior analytic principles to support families navigating high-conflict separation. We develop tools and resources grounded in Relational Frame Theory (RFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and functional analysis to help professionals and families understand complex dynamics and work toward constructive outcomes.

Founder & Professional Background

Rob Spain, BCBA, IBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and International Behavior Analyst (IBA) with specialization in applying behavior science to complex family systems.

BCBAIBABehavior AnalystRFT/ACT Specialist

Commitment to Ethical Practice

All work on Reunify Science is guided by the ethical principles of behavior analysis and professional standards for applied work with families.

Scope of Competence

We operate strictly within behavior analytic scope of practice, focusing on observable behavior patterns, functional analysis, and behavior change strategies rather than diagnostic categories or psychiatric terminology.

Client Welfare & Safety

The welfare and safety of families is our primary concern. All tools and resources are designed to support constructive outcomes while prioritizing child well-being and family stability.

Evidence-Based Approach

We ground all work in established behavior science principles, with transparent citations and acknowledgment of theoretical foundations. We distinguish clearly between established science and emerging applications.

Professional Collaboration

We emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and appropriate referral when situations extend beyond behavior analytic scope or require additional professional expertise.

BACB Ethics Code Compliance

Adherence to Behavior Analyst Certification Board® Ethics Code

All work on Reunify Science aligns with the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (2022), which provides the foundation for ethical practice in behavior analysis. Below are key code sections that guide our work:

1.0 Responsible Conduct of Behavior Analysts

We maintain professional competence through ongoing education and practice within our scope of training. All content is reviewed for accuracy and alignment with current behavior analytic research.

Relevant Code Sections: 1.01, 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, 1.05, 1.06, 1.07

2.0 Behavior Analysts' Responsibility to Clients

Client welfare is paramount. We prioritize evidence-based practices, obtain informed consent for tool usage, maintain confidentiality, and avoid conflicts of interest.

Relevant Code Sections: 2.01-2.16 (Client Rights, Consent, Confidentiality)

3.0 Assessing Behavior

Our assessment tools are grounded in behavior analytic principles, focusing on observable behavior patterns and functional relationships rather than diagnostic categories. We emphasize culturally responsive assessment practices.

Relevant Code Sections: 3.01, 3.02, 3.03, 3.04, 3.05, 3.06

4.0 Behavior Analysts and the Behavior-Change Program

Interventions suggested through our tools are conceptually consistent with behavior analytic principles, individualized, and focused on meaningful outcomes for families.

Relevant Code Sections: 4.01-4.10 (Individualization, Consent, Data-Based Decisions)

7.0 Behavior Analysts' Ethical Responsibility to the Profession

We contribute to the profession through research dissemination, accurate representation of behavior analysis, and appropriate professional boundaries.

Relevant Code Sections: 7.01, 7.02, 7.03, 7.04, 7.05

Key Ethical Principles

Guiding Our Work

  • Beneficence & Nonmaleficence: Promoting well-being and avoiding harm in all family interactions (BACB Code 1.02, 2.01)
  • Fidelity & Responsibility: Maintaining professional boundaries and honoring commitments to families (BACB Code 1.04, 1.05)
  • Integrity: Being honest, transparent, and accurate in all professional activities (BACB Code 1.06)
  • Justice: Ensuring fair access and treatment for all families (BACB Code 1.07)
  • Respect for Rights & Dignity: Honoring the autonomy and privacy of families (BACB Code 2.01-2.05)
  • Scope of Competence: Practicing only within areas of training and experience (BACB Code 1.02)
  • Professional Collaboration: Working with other professionals when appropriate (BACB Code 2.09)

Ethical Considerations in Family Work

Dual Relationships & Boundaries

In family conflict contexts, we maintain clear professional boundaries and avoid dual relationships that could impair objectivity or exploit relationships.

BACB Code Reference: 1.06, 1.07, 2.06

Confidentiality in Family Systems

We navigate complex confidentiality issues in family systems with transparency about information sharing limits and obtain appropriate consents.

BACB Code Reference: 2.01-2.05, 2.08

Evidence-Based Practice

All recommendations are grounded in behavior analytic research, with clear distinctions between established principles and emerging applications.

BACB Code Reference: 1.01, 4.01, 4.07

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

We recognize the limits of behavior analytic scope and emphasize collaboration with legal, mental health, and educational professionals when appropriate.

BACB Code Reference: 2.09, 2.10, 2.11

Ethical Decision-Making Framework

When facing ethical dilemmas in family work, we follow a systematic decision-making process:

  1. 1Identify the relevant BACB Ethics Code sections
  2. 2Consider all stakeholders' perspectives and welfare
  3. 3Consult with professional colleagues when appropriate
  4. 4Document the decision-making process and rationale
  5. 5Implement the decision and monitor outcomes

What We Do

Research-Based Tools

Developing assessment and intervention tools grounded in behavior science principles for professionals working with families.

Professional Resources

Creating educational materials and training resources for behavior analysts and other professionals working in family contexts.

Theoretical Research

Advancing theoretical frameworks applying behavior science to complex family dynamics through professional writing and research.

What We Don't Do

  • Diagnostic Assessment: We do not provide psychiatric diagnoses or use DSM diagnostic categories
  • Forensic Testimony: We do not provide expert testimony in legal proceedings
  • Direct Clinical Services: We do not provide direct therapy or clinical treatment to families
  • Legal Advice: We do not provide legal guidance or representation
  • Child Custody Recommendations: We do not make recommendations about custody or visitation arrangements

Professional Boundaries & Scope

Reunify Science operates as a resource platform and research initiative, not as a clinical service provider. Our tools and resources are designed to support professionals in their work with families, not to replace professional judgment or direct clinical services.

Important Notice for Families

If you are a family navigating separation or conflict:

  • Our resources are educational and informational in nature
  • We recommend working with qualified local professionals for direct support
  • In emergency situations, contact local crisis services or emergency responders

Emergency Resources: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 | Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Research & Evidence Base

All tools and resources on Reunify Science are grounded in established behavior science principles, including:

  • Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and derived relational responding
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and psychological flexibility
  • Functional analysis and behavior assessment methodologies
  • Rule-governed behavior and contingency-shaped behavior distinctions
  • Behavior analytic ethics and professional practice standards

Contact & Professional Inquiries

For research collaboration, professional partnerships, or questions about our ethical framework and scope of practice:

BACB Ethics Code Compliance Statement

Reunify Science operates in full compliance with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (2022). This code provides the foundation for all professional activities on this platform.

Primary Ethics Code References

  • 1.0 Responsible Conduct of Behavior Analysts
  • 2.0 Responsibility to Clients
  • 3.0 Assessing Behavior
  • 4.0 Behavior-Change Programs
  • 7.0 Responsibility to the Profession

Key Compliance Areas

  • • Scope of competence maintenance
  • • Evidence-based practice
  • • Client confidentiality & consent
  • • Professional boundaries
  • • Accurate representation of services

Professional Affiliations & Credentials: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA #1-19-39971) | International Behavior Analyst (IBA) | Member, Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) | Adherence to BACB Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts.

Last Updated: February 2026 | Ethics Review: Regular review against current BACB ethics code and professional standards. | BACB Code Version: 2022 Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts

Note: The BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts is copyrighted by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®, Inc. ("BACB®") and is used here for reference purposes only. This does not imply endorsement by the BACB®.