Balloons and face painting replaced gavel and sworn statements as guests from courts and child welfare agencies gathered June 23 at the Hall of Justice in Lansing to celebrate families during the 6th Michigan Reunification Day. The event included Michigan Supreme Court (MSC) justices, trial court judges, court staff, child welfare professionals, and representatives from government agencies—even a costumed T-Rex—who all spotlighted the incredible efforts of parents and organizations involved in reuniting children in foster care with their families. Justice Megan K. Cavanagh and Justice Kyra H. Bolden serve as MSC co-liaisons on child welfare matters.
“Observing the remarkable transformations in children and families through our court supported reunification programs has been a true highlight of my work in the judiciary,” said Chief Justice Elizabeth T. Clement, former MSC co-liaison on child welfare issues. “I look forward to Reunification Day because we can experience the joy firsthand and know we are making a difference.”
Judge Cylenthia LaToye Miller and Judge Karen Braxton, both of Third Circuit Court in Wayne County, brought several local families to share their inspiring stories of resilience and reunification. Cavanagh and Bolden presented both judges with a Supreme Court resolution to recognize the outstanding work of the Wayne County Courts in promoting family reunification.
“It is important for us to do everything within our power to keep families united while ensuring the safety and well-being of our children,” said Cavanagh. “This is precisely why the courts are deeply committed to supporting families. Reunification represents the pinnacle of court-community engagement, as our judiciary actively contributes to making families—our friends and neighbors who may be grappling with difficulties—whole, once again.”
“Today’s event is a special occasion where we come together to honor the reunification of children in foster care with their biological families,” said Bolden. “It is also an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the dedication of the professionals who work tirelessly to protect these children and ensure their safe return to their parents and siblings.”
The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) reported that in 2022, over 5,500 children left foster care. Nearly half of these children were reunified with their families, while approximately one-third found permanence through adoption. Less than a quarter of these children exited foster care through other means, such as reaching adulthood, entering adult foster care, or living with relatives.
David Knezek, MDHHS chief deputy director, emphasized the agency’s commitment to the mission of keeping children safe and keeping families together. He highlighted the successful reunification of more than 2,000 children with their families in the past year and the ongoing efforts to adapt and enhance safe reunification practices across Michigan.
“We recently announced our ‘Keep Kids Safe Agenda,’ which relies on best practices in child welfare and commits the department to the nation’s highest standards. In short, the agenda is a plan that builds upon our work to strengthen services, programs, practices, and policies that help families stay together or reunite,” said Knezek.
The program culminated with the presentation of the MDHHS Guy Thompson Awards to acknowledge the unwavering dedication of child welfare professionals. Demetrius Starling, senior deputy director of the Children’s Services Administration at MDHHS, presented the Guy Thompson Champion for Reunification Award to Cortney Kramer, Family Reunification Program Supervisor at Wellspring Lutheran Services. Starling also presented the Guy Thompson Worker Achievement Award to Megan Beals, Family Reunification Program Supervisor at Professional Counseling Center.
Michigan is one of 35 states that traditionally hold festivities as part of the American Bar Association’s National Reunification Month, celebrated annually in June.
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