Families, court officials, and child welfare professionals gathered at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center June 27 for the 7th Annual Michigan Reunification Day, which celebrates the efforts of parents reuniting with their children in foster care. The event featured Michigan Supreme Court Justices Megan K. Cavanagh and Kyra H. Bolden, who serve as co-liaisons on child welfare matters, as well as retired Justice Maura D. Corrigan, who formerly served as director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
“Observing the remarkable transformations in children and families through our reunification programs has been a true highlight of my work in the judiciary,” said Cavanagh. “Reuniting families is the pinnacle of court-community engagement, as our judiciary actively contributes to making families whole, once again.”
Bolden added, “Today’s event is a special occasion where we honor the reunification of children with their biological families and recognize the dedication of the professionals who work tirelessly to protect these children and ensure their safe return.”
The celebration included the following Michigan child welfare stakeholders: Demetrius Starling, senior deputy director, MDHHS Children’s Services Administration; Janet Reynolds Snyder, executive director, Michigan Federation for Children and Families; and Lynette Wright, director, Wayne County DHHS Children’s Services.
Starling emphasized MDHHS’s commitment to the mission of keeping children safe and keeping families together, sharing that in 2023, over 5,500 children exited foster care, with nearly half reunified with their families and approximately one-third adopted. He also highlighted the successful reunification of over 2,000 children with their families in the past year, as well as the ongoing efforts to adapt and enhance safe reunification practices across Michigan.
Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard and the following judges from the 3rd Circuit Court, shared inspiring stories of resilience and reunification from local families: Interim Presiding Judge Sheila Ann Gibson, Civil Division, who emceed the event; Judge Karen Y. Braxton, Family-Juvenile Division; Judge Christopher D. Dingell, Family-Juvenile Division; Judge Cylenthia LaToye Miller, Family-Juvenile Division; and Judge Frank S. Szymanski, Family-Juvenile Division.
The event concluded with the presentation of the MDHHS Guy Thompson Awards, recognizing the dedication of child welfare professionals who demonstrate outstanding commitment and service. The Guy Thompson Champion for Reunification Award was presented to Nancy Pfeifer, director of the Family Preservation Program at Professional Counseling Centers. The Guy Thompson Worker Achievement Award went to Leila Sanders, parent partner at Black Family Development Inc. In addition, the inaugural Champion for Youth in Care Award was presented to social worker Brittney Barros, LLMSW & MPP, CIP.
Michigan Reunification Day, part of the American Bar Association’s National Reunification Month celebrated in June, underscores the critical role courts and community partners play in strengthening families.
“Observing the remarkable transformations in children and families through our reunification programs has been a true highlight of my work in the judiciary,” said Cavanagh. “Reuniting families is the pinnacle of court-community engagement, as our judiciary actively contributes to making families whole, once again.”
Bolden added, “Today’s event is a special occasion where we honor the reunification of children with their biological families and recognize the dedication of the professionals who work tirelessly to protect these children and ensure their safe return.”
The celebration included the following Michigan child welfare stakeholders: Demetrius Starling, senior deputy director, MDHHS Children’s Services Administration; Janet Reynolds Snyder, executive director, Michigan Federation for Children and Families; and Lynette Wright, director, Wayne County DHHS Children’s Services.
Starling emphasized MDHHS’s commitment to the mission of keeping children safe and keeping families together, sharing that in 2023, over 5,500 children exited foster care, with nearly half reunified with their families and approximately one-third adopted. He also highlighted the successful reunification of over 2,000 children with their families in the past year, as well as the ongoing efforts to adapt and enhance safe reunification practices across Michigan.
Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard and the following judges from the 3rd Circuit Court, shared inspiring stories of resilience and reunification from local families: Interim Presiding Judge Sheila Ann Gibson, Civil Division, who emceed the event; Judge Karen Y. Braxton, Family-Juvenile Division; Judge Christopher D. Dingell, Family-Juvenile Division; Judge Cylenthia LaToye Miller, Family-Juvenile Division; and Judge Frank S. Szymanski, Family-Juvenile Division.
The event concluded with the presentation of the MDHHS Guy Thompson Awards, recognizing the dedication of child welfare professionals who demonstrate outstanding commitment and service. The Guy Thompson Champion for Reunification Award was presented to Nancy Pfeifer, director of the Family Preservation Program at Professional Counseling Centers. The Guy Thompson Worker Achievement Award went to Leila Sanders, parent partner at Black Family Development Inc. In addition, the inaugural Champion for Youth in Care Award was presented to social worker Brittney Barros, LLMSW & MPP, CIP.
Michigan Reunification Day, part of the American Bar Association’s National Reunification Month celebrated in June, underscores the critical role courts and community partners play in strengthening families.
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