June is National Family Reunification Month. Snohomish County proudly joins the statewide celebration of Family Reunification Month honoring the families who have successfully reunited after overcoming challenges.
A special Court session will convene at 9:00 a.m. June 14 at the Denney Juvenile Justice Center to recognize and celebrate recently reunified families. Following court, the annual Snohomish County Reunification Picnic hosted by the YWCA, Homeward House, and the Parent for Parent Program will be held at American Legion Memorial Park in Everett from 12 to 3 p.m. on June 14 celebrating the achievements of families and staff.
Parents, dependency court staff, social workers, and social service providers work tirelessly to ensure safe reunification.
For most children in foster care, reunification with their family is the best option for a permanent and loving home. Each year, thousands of children are successfully reunited with their families after parents work hard, gain new understanding and skills, and partner with social workers and courts to meet extensive requirements.
While some courts have held family reunification celebrations for many years, the Washington State Supreme Court Commission on Children in Foster Care was excited to proclaim June 2024 as a statewide celebration of Family Reunification Month among courts and communities across Washington, and to sponsor the annual commemorations.
For 2024, the statewide celebration is not focusing on one specific month but rather encouraging and supporting celebrations at any time that works for a court and community.
Safe reunification of children with their parents is the primary goal of the dependency process, which strives for learning and healing. The Commission on Children in Foster Care encourages everyone to join in celebrating families that have worked so hard and succeeded in reunifying.
SOURCE: Snohomish County Courthouse
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
