Reunification Month: Overcoming Obstacles and Making Positive Change
June is National Reunification Month. It’s a time to celebrate those who have overcome obstacles to provide a safe and loving home for their children.
At Wellpoint Care Network, reunification is always the goal. We believe that foster care is meant to provide temporary care for a child until they can return home to their birth parents.
In many cases, these parents are working hard each day towards the Five Pillars of Stability: Housing, Employment, Education, Health and Caring Connections. This is important because when any of these social determinants of health go unmet, it’s impossible for a family to truly thrive.
This month, we’re highlighting that work in action and showcasing some successful examples of reunification. (Please note that names have been changed for confidentiality)
Meet the Walker Family:
Due to struggles with substance abuse and untreated mental health concerns, Mr. Walker’s son entered foster care in July of 2024. While working with Wellpoint Care Network, Mr. Walker enrolled in services and worked hard to maintain sobriety, which positively impacted his mental health. After previously being homeless, he was able to obtain safe and stable housing, which allowed him to focus on treatment and make positive, lasting change. Now reunified with his son, he has continued to participate in services for his mental health and substance abuse, not because the services are still required, but because he wants to hold himself accountable and be the best parent possible.
Meet Marcus:
Marcus reunified with his daughter this month, on her first birthday. Throughout the reunification process, he showed significant growth, ultimately embracing supportive services and putting in the hard work needed to move forward. He and his partner also established strong family and community support systems, positioning them for long-term stability and success as parents.
Meet Tessa:
Tessa reunified with her children earlier this year. Since reunification, she has continued to engage in domestic violence services, therapy and parenting classes. Through this work, she’s gained insight into how past decisions impacted her children and has made significant strides in creating a safe, stable home environment. Tessa now expresses confidence in her ability to advocate for herself and be a solo parent.
Meet Mia:
After reunifying with her children in 2023, Mia has continued to demonstrate strength and resilience. She successfully separated from her former partner, a decision that required both courage and determination. Throughout the case, she remained focused on building a safer, healthier environment for her children and herself. Since reunification, she has remained in occasional contact with Wellpoint Care Network, reaching out for additional resources and sharing updates on how she and the children are doing.
Meet the Robinson Family:
Ms. Robinson overcame many obstacles to have her four children reunify with her safely in June of 2024. She completed many services and worked hand-in-hand with her case manager to ensure that she was ready and capable of having her children back. She was incredibly understanding and brave throughout the entire duration of her case. After reunification, the family faced some struggles with behavior from the oldest child, but she reached out to her case manager and worked through them.
Did you know that about half of all kids in out-of-home care in Wisconsin permanently reunify with their biological families? That’s in keeping with the national reunification average, which hovers around 50%.
While families work towards reunification, kids need a safe and loving place to call home. That’s where you come in. Learn how you can become a foster parent and make a difference in your community!
