FAMILY REUNIFICATION

What is Family Reunification?

Family Reunification is the Child Welfare Services (CWS) program component that provides case management and services designed to return children to the custody of the parents or legal guardian. These services are usually ordered by the Juvenile Court after the children have been removed from the parents' or guardians' home due to abuse or neglect.

How does the Family Reunification process work?

CWS will provide information about the family to the Juvenile Court and the Court will order Family Reunification services, including the specific services the parents or guardians must complete in order to insure the safe return of the child(ren) to the home. The Court also determines the time frame of Family Reunification; it may be as little as 6 months in the case of children under the age of 3 years; or as long as 18 months in cases where the parents have complied with services but need additional time to complete the service plan.

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What is the role of CWS during Family Reunification?

The Court expects CWS to help the parents achieve success, whenever possible. The role of the CWS social worker is to refer the parents or guardians to appropriate services, help the parents overcome barriers to participating in services, and to meet regularly with the parents to review their progress. During the reunification period, the CWS staff will also facilitate regular visitation between the parents and their children who are in out-of-home care.

What happens when the Family Reunification program is completed?

There are two (2) possible outcomes of Family Reunification services. If the parents or guardians are successful in completing the service plan, the minor(s) will be returned to the home. If the parents or guardians are not successful, the minors will be referred for a Permanency Planning hearing to consider other options for long-term stability of the minors: adoption, guardianship or long-term foster care.