A Colorado mother avoided more jail time after her lawyer argued that the reunification therapy mandated by the court between her two youngest sons and her ex-husband—who faces criminal charges—was being handled by a therapist with a troubling history. The therapist had previously worked with a couple whose children were murdered, raising concerns about her judgment.
At a heated two-hour hearing on Thursday, Larimer County District Court Judge Daniel McDonald decided not to impose an additional five weekends of jail time on Rachel Pickrel-Hawkins and suspended her sentence. The judge also halted any further reunification therapy sessions until the criminal case against her ex-husband is resolved.
Her ex-husband, retired Aurora police Sergeant Michael Hawkins, faces seven felony charges of child sexual abuse and a misdemeanor count of physical child abuse. He has denied the allegations.
The mother’s new legal team, funded by over $70,000 in donations, argued that the reunification therapist, Christine Bassett, had previously mishandled therapy for a couple, leading to the tragic deaths of their children. Although the judge did not allow detailed questioning about Bassett’s past cases, he permitted general questions about her practice.
Therapists have protections that prevent them from discussing specific client details without consent. Bassett admitted that she might have made mistakes in the past but defended her judgment.
The case has sparked criticism and calls for reform of reunification therapy practices. Under recent state laws, such therapy cannot be used to restrict the time a protective parent spends with their child unless abuse is involved.
During the hearing, Pia Jansen, the children’s personal therapist, testified that the reunification sessions were causing significant distress to the children, with one expressing suicidal thoughts due to the therapy.
Judge McDonald’s decision came amid national scrutiny and criticism from state legislators. Despite the backlash, he maintained that he was following the law and evidence presented in court.