Five families were recognized for successfully reunifying with their child(ren) and for their involvement in the Dependency Advocacy Parent Mentor Program. Of these five families, two were supported by our Court Appointed Special Advocates, who have chosen to remain anonymous. Their impact, however, is deeply felt, as they SHOWED UP for the families and youth during their time in foster care, offering vital support throughout the process.
Below is a summary of the day’s celebration, written by the County of Santa Clara.
The County of Santa Clara Social Services Agency Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) celebrated Family Reunification Day during a ceremony on June 13. Five families that successfully completed services and reunified with their children were recognized and honored along with the Dependency Advocacy Parent Mentor Program.
The event brought together partners in the child welfare system who play vital roles in strengthening and reunifying families, including Juvenile Dependency Presiding Judge Shawna Schwarz, the Dependency Advocacy Center (DAC), Legal Advocates for Children and Youth, mentor parents, and Santa Clara County Child Advocates with support from the Board of Supervisors.
The County’s Family Reunification program helps children and families attain a stable living situation while addressing issues, including the needs of the child and the family, as well as legal requirements. Social workers engage families with friends and community members, connect them with community resources and services, and help educate parents on raising children in a stable home.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that children are safe and families are strong, and we partner with our entire community to help children and families on the path to reaching their potential,” said Wendy Kinnear-Rausch, DFCS Interim Director. “These remarkable parents have worked hard to have their children safely returned to their care. They have demonstrated the belief we in child welfare hold in a family’s ability to grow, heal, and thrive if supported.”
The five families recognized at the Family Reunification Day ceremony overcame obstacles such as challenges with substance abuse, mental health, intimate partner violence, and lack of a support system. The families credited the County’s Family Reunification Program for the successful change in their lives.
“Stable families and homes are the bedrock of thriving communities, and I am proud of the courage and determination of parents to overcome incredible challenges to build loving homes,” said Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, District 1. “Their journey toward reunification is an inspiration to families across the county, a testimony to the overarching love that all parents have for their children. Thanks to our partner organizations and mentor parents, we are celebrating families who have worked so hard to be where they are today – reunited.”
The DAC was also recognized for its service to parents and children involved in the child welfare system. DAC mentors help parents through the Juvenile Dependency system and serve as guides for others in the court reunification process.
National Family Reunification Day celebrated families and communities coming together to raise awareness about the importance of family reunification for children in foster care. It also recognizes the challenges families face who are separated through the child welfare and foster care system, and the need for social services to help families reunite.
“The team at DFCS works tirelessly with our partner agencies to support parents in overcoming obstacles to reclaim their lives, repair, and reunite with their families,” said Supervisor Betty Duong.
View this original post at County of Santa Clara.
