Foster Care: Generating Lasting Relationships Even After Reunification

Laura and John Emanuelson have been foster parents for nearly 11 years, caring for more than a dozen children throughout that time.

In August of 2022, newborn Malachi Cooper temporarily joined their family of nine (Laura, John, their four biological children and three adopted children). The Emanuelson family immediately started working with Malachi’s father Robert, with the goal of reunification.

“We introduce ourselves to the bio parents right away and try to get a relationship going immediately,” said Laura. “When you can co-parent, that makes life so much easier for everyone involved.”

June is Reunification Month. And at Wellpoint Care Network, reunification is always the goal. We believe that foster care is meant to give families time to make necessary changes so the child can safely return to their home and community.

“Malachi’s dad came over as often as possible,” said Laura. “It was an instant connection. From the minute I met him, I could tell he loved this baby so much. We were 100% supportive of Malachi going home, because we saw how hard Robert worked. He was receptive to absolutely everything he was asked to do.”

Robert admits that he was initially nervous having his son in foster care. As a first-time dad, he was willing to do whatever it took to be reunified with his son.

“With my son Malachi going into foster care, it was heartbreaking at first because I didn’t know what the procedures were. But I knew that if I wanted him back with me, I had to be a stand-up father. I was ready to do whatever I had to do to make sure that we were together.”

Robert adds that he is grateful for the Emanuelson family, treating Malachi as one of their own.

“They are truly family,” he says. “They made me feel comfortable where it didn’t even seem like he was in foster care. It was like he was visiting family, and they were babysitting. I just love those guys.”

After months of hard work, nearly one-year-old Malachi was able to be reunified with Robert in May of 2023. To this day, the Emanuelson family still has a relationship with the father and son.

“We hosted a first birthday party for him and that was amazing,” said Laura. “That was, I think, the solidifying point that we’re not going anywhere, we will be with you and support you as long as you want and need. They consider us family, and we consider them family.”

“I told Laura, ‘You guys were his first family,’” added Robert. “I want him to be a part of their life because they had him the first part of his life. From my standpoint, I appreciate them being there. He was always healthy, always clean, he was always fed, always smiling and happy. That made me feel so at ease.”

For anyone considering fostering, Laura says it’s one of the best things she’s ever done.

“It’s a difficult journey at times, but it’s so rewarding. I like to think we are helping not only the family, but the community in general. Hopefully this is one more child with a built-in support system, one more child who knows they have another safe place they can always turn to.”

And, for those who may be currently separated from their children, know that there is hope.

“Take a deep breath,” said Robert. “Talk with your caseworker, talk with the foster parent, get a rapport going. And most importantly, be optimistic. Go in with an open mind, be willing to work with the foster parent and the caseworker, but also be willing to put 110% in yourself, as the parent. Because they can’t do it for you.”

To learn more about foster care at Wellpoint Care Network, click here.