Friday brought a special celebration to honor Michigan families who were once torn apart. Michigan Reunification Day recognizes parents who have successfully navigated the challenges that caused them to be separated from their children. Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Timothy Connors says that when a child is put into foster care it is a traumatic experience, and parents must work to ensure their children can return to a safe environment.
“Every time we take a child away. no matter what the underlying trauma or conflict is, we’ve added to it,” Connors said. “So, reunification is really congratulating those parents. That’s the most important connection, that’s where well-being comes in for a child, that’s where permanency comes in for a child.”
Eight families who have been reunified were celebrated at an event Friday at the Michigan Hall of Justice. Collins says that the case workers, foster parents, and courts that support these families should also be celebrated.
