It's simple: children do better when they are connected to their family, community, and culture. Each June, Family Reunification Month recognizes the efforts of many to help families reunify. Family reunification is always the goal for children when it is a safe option.
When a child enters the child welfare system, parents have to work hard to overcome challenges like generational trauma, systemic barriers, financial strain, and abuse and neglect within their homes or communities.
Last year among the children CASA serves, 81% of children whose cases closed were reunified with their families or adopted or permanently placed with relatives. Forty-six percent of those children were reunified with their parents.
Last year among the children CASA serves, 81% of children whose cases closed were reunified with their families or adopted or permanently placed with relatives. Forty-six percent of those children were reunified with their parents.
CASA hosts two programs, Family Finding and Early Family Engagement, with volunteers and staff focused on identifying family supports and engaging relatives to help children return to, or remain with, their families.
"It’s important for kids to be returned to their parents after they are able to mitigate the safety concerns, as it means they are once again connected to the community they may have previously had to leave behind," said Meredith Chambers, Program Manager at CASA of Travis County. "It is incredible to see how parents can navigate many significant barriers to create a home for their children that is safe and free from abuse or neglect."
Family Reunification Family Reunification Month
