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June is National Reunification Month and highlights the importance of safely reuniting children with their parents whenever possible, in environments where they can heal, grow, and thrive. Supporting and maintaining family connections are essential to the health and well-being of children. Everyone working within the child welfare system has a role in safely reunifying families and obtaining positive permanency as soon as possible. Continue reading to explore national and statewide resources designed to support successful reunification.
The Child Welfare Information Gateway’s Reunification Resource Page features materials to help professionals engage parents, assess readiness, and support reunification, including fact sheets for relative caregivers and foster parents and information related to reinstatement of parental rights.
The American Bar Association has continued its expanded focus on family unity by celebrating both family reunification and family preservation through advocacy, supports, and services. Their National Family Unification Month webpage highlights various events and resources for parents, youth, judges, attorneys, and others working to keep families together, as well as a link to the replay of their Family Unification Month Kickoff Webinar.
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) maintains Parent Collaboration Groups, comprised of a network of parents who are or have experienced the child welfare system, that support parents on the path to reunification. A list of local Parent Collaboration Groups can be found on the DFPS website. Parents who wish to volunteer with a local group can contact their regional SSCC/CPS liaison for more information.
The Children’s Commission’s Parent Resource Guide is available to help parents understand the Texas child welfare system and the path towards reunification.
Finally, the Children’s Commission will host a webinar on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. entitled “Supporting Reunification in Child Welfare Cases.” The webinar will provide insights into barriers and strengths as children and families navigate the complexities of the child welfare system and work towards successful reunification. MCLE and TBLS credit is pending, and the presentation will be archived and made available on the Children’s Commission website following the live webinar.
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