The Michigan Supreme Court (MSC) recently hosted its 8th Annual Reunification Day at the Hall of Justice in Lansing, celebrating the resilience of families who have successfully reunified through the state’s child welfare system.
The event also recognized professionals who have gone above and beyond to support parents and children on their path to reunification.
“This celebration is all about family — no matter what that family looks like or where they come from,” said Chief Justice Megan K. Cavanagh, in her opening remarks. “Reunification Day is one of the most joyful days on our calendar. It’s a celebration of love, perseverance, and the courageous steps families take to come back together.” Justice Kimberly A. Thomas emphasized the importance of healing and the role courts can play in reunification.
“The key message that I want you to remember from this celebration is that courts can, and must, be places of healing and support,” she said. “Everyone here knows that already because you have lived it.
“You prove that this kind of court system can be a success —families can be reunited, neighborhoods can be stronger, and communities can be safer when courts and our child welfare partners focus our resources on healing.”
The June 26 program featured heartfelt remarks from judges, advocates and child welfare leaders, including Presiding Judge Lisa K. McCormick, 30th Circuit Court Family Division, Ingham County; Demetrius Starling, senior deputy director, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Children’s Services Administration; and Janet Reynolds Snyder, executive director, the Michigan Federation for Children and Families.
McCormick, recognized by the MSC for her tireless leadership of the Family Treatment Court, introduced three families she supported through the program.
Their reunification stories — marked by overcoming addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and trauma — brought many in the crowd to tears. These families noted how they found strength and healed through recovery, community resources, and sustained judicial support.
The event concluded with the presentation of the MDHHS Guy Thompson Awards, which recognize outstanding professionals whose work advances family preservation and reunification across Michigan.
Brian Hamilton, of Adoption Option Inc., received the Case Manager Achievement Award for his exceptional dedication to supporting families throughout the reunification process.
Jennifer Williams, of Samaritas, was honored with the Champion for Reunification Award in recognition of her leadership and longstanding commitment to family preservation.
Andrea Atkins, of the Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative in Muskegon County, was awarded the Champion for Youth in Care Award for her outstanding advocacy on behalf of youth in foster care and her efforts to empower young people through mentorship and lived experience.
Named in honor of the late Guy Thompson, a pioneer in family preservation at MDHHS, the awards celebrate individuals who serve as steadfast advocates for families during their most vulnerable moments.
“Reunification is not just a goal on paper; it’s a lived reality we’re fighting for,” said Starling. “Our honorees are helping make that vision real.”
Attendees also enjoyed a picnic lunch, family-friendly activities, photo booth and temporary tattoos — capturing the joyful and celebratory spirit of the day.
Michigan Reunification Day, part of the American Bar Association's National Family Unification Month (formerly Reunification Month) celebrated annually in June, underscores the critical role courts and community partners play in strengthening families.
The event also recognized professionals who have gone above and beyond to support parents and children on their path to reunification.
“This celebration is all about family — no matter what that family looks like or where they come from,” said Chief Justice Megan K. Cavanagh, in her opening remarks. “Reunification Day is one of the most joyful days on our calendar. It’s a celebration of love, perseverance, and the courageous steps families take to come back together.” Justice Kimberly A. Thomas emphasized the importance of healing and the role courts can play in reunification.
“The key message that I want you to remember from this celebration is that courts can, and must, be places of healing and support,” she said. “Everyone here knows that already because you have lived it.
“You prove that this kind of court system can be a success —families can be reunited, neighborhoods can be stronger, and communities can be safer when courts and our child welfare partners focus our resources on healing.”
The June 26 program featured heartfelt remarks from judges, advocates and child welfare leaders, including Presiding Judge Lisa K. McCormick, 30th Circuit Court Family Division, Ingham County; Demetrius Starling, senior deputy director, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Children’s Services Administration; and Janet Reynolds Snyder, executive director, the Michigan Federation for Children and Families.
McCormick, recognized by the MSC for her tireless leadership of the Family Treatment Court, introduced three families she supported through the program.
Their reunification stories — marked by overcoming addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and trauma — brought many in the crowd to tears. These families noted how they found strength and healed through recovery, community resources, and sustained judicial support.
The event concluded with the presentation of the MDHHS Guy Thompson Awards, which recognize outstanding professionals whose work advances family preservation and reunification across Michigan.
Brian Hamilton, of Adoption Option Inc., received the Case Manager Achievement Award for his exceptional dedication to supporting families throughout the reunification process.
Jennifer Williams, of Samaritas, was honored with the Champion for Reunification Award in recognition of her leadership and longstanding commitment to family preservation.
Andrea Atkins, of the Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative in Muskegon County, was awarded the Champion for Youth in Care Award for her outstanding advocacy on behalf of youth in foster care and her efforts to empower young people through mentorship and lived experience.
Named in honor of the late Guy Thompson, a pioneer in family preservation at MDHHS, the awards celebrate individuals who serve as steadfast advocates for families during their most vulnerable moments.
“Reunification is not just a goal on paper; it’s a lived reality we’re fighting for,” said Starling. “Our honorees are helping make that vision real.”
Attendees also enjoyed a picnic lunch, family-friendly activities, photo booth and temporary tattoos — capturing the joyful and celebratory spirit of the day.
Michigan Reunification Day, part of the American Bar Association's National Family Unification Month (formerly Reunification Month) celebrated annually in June, underscores the critical role courts and community partners play in strengthening families.
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