Last Thursday, June 25, the Michigan Supreme Court (MSC) hosted Michigan Family Reunification and Preservation Day at the Hall of Justice in Lansing, celebrating families who have successfully reunified through Michigan’s child welfare system and families who have remained safely together through preservation services. The event also recognized judges, child welfare professionals, and community partners whose dedication has strengthened outcomes for children and families throughout the state.
The Michigan Supreme Court also recognized several judicial leaders for their contributions to family preservation and reunification efforts.
Judge Angela Cole of the Midland County Probate Court and 42nd Circuit Court Family Division, and Judges Jennifer Smith Deegan and John D. Tomlinson, both of the St. Clair County Probate Court, received special resolutions recognizing their dedication to supporting children and families and advancing family preservation and reunification efforts throughout Michigan.
“Today, we celebrate something that is both simple and profound: the importance of family,” said Chief Justice Megan K. Cavanagh, in her opening remarks. “We recognize that strong families are the foundation of strong communities, and that children thrive when they are surrounded by safety, stability, love, and support.”
Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh noted that reunification and preservation efforts are made possible through the perseverance of families and the collaborative work of judges, attorneys, caseworkers, service providers, and community partners. She also highlighted the importance of supporting families through difficult challenges and recognizing their successes.
Justice Kimberly A. Thomas, the Court’s child welfare liaison, emphasized the role of courts in helping families heal and thrive.
“The message I hope everyone takes away from today’s event is that courts can and should be places of support, healing, and opportunity,” Justice Thomas said. “Family reunification and preservation represent some of the most meaningful work happening within our justice system.”
The program featured remarks from Timothy Click, interim senior deputy director, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Children’s Services Administration; and Janet Reynolds Snyder, president and CEO, the Michigan Federation for Children and Families. Both highlighted the importance of collaboration among courts, child welfare agencies, service providers, and families in achieving successful outcomes for children.
The event concluded with the presentation of the 2026 Guy Thompson Awards for Child Welfare Excellence, recognizing outstanding professionals whose work strengthens families and improves outcomes for children across Michigan. Honorees included:
• Cheryl Marks, Bethany Christian Services – Family Preservation Case Manager Achievement Award
• Morgan Gould, Adoption Option, Inc. – Family Reunification Case Manager Achievement Award
• Cortney Sanders, Wellspring Lutheran Services – Champion for Family Preservation and Reunification Award
• Erin Douglass, Orchards Children’s Services – Champion for Youth in Care Award
Named in honor of the late Guy Thompson, a pioneer in family preservation efforts within MDHHS, the awards recognize individuals whose dedication and leadership help children remain safely connected to their families and communities.
Michigan Family Reunification and Preservation Day is part of the American Bar Association’s Family Unification Month, which is observed annually in June to recognize the importance of preserving and strengthening families and supporting the safe reunification of children with their parents whenever possible.
A significant addition to this year’s event was the expansion of its focus to recognize not only family reunification, but also family preservation. To reflect this broader commitment, the Michigan Supreme Court renamed the event the 2026 Michigan Family Reunification and Preservation Day and introduced a new event logo highlighting both goals. The expanded program recognizes that helping children safely remain with their families whenever possible is just as important as supporting reunification when children have entered foster care. In keeping with this enhanced focus, organizers also added a fourth Guy Thompson Award for Child Welfare Excellence, the Family Preservation Case Manager Achievement Award, recognizing outstanding professionals whose work helps strengthen families and prevent unnecessary family separation.
The Michigan Supreme Court also recognized several judicial leaders for their contributions to family preservation and reunification efforts.
Judge Angela Cole of the Midland County Probate Court and 42nd Circuit Court Family Division, and Judges Jennifer Smith Deegan and John D. Tomlinson, both of the St. Clair County Probate Court, received special resolutions recognizing their dedication to supporting children and families and advancing family preservation and reunification efforts throughout Michigan.
“Today, we celebrate something that is both simple and profound: the importance of family,” said Chief Justice Megan K. Cavanagh, in her opening remarks. “We recognize that strong families are the foundation of strong communities, and that children thrive when they are surrounded by safety, stability, love, and support.”
Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh noted that reunification and preservation efforts are made possible through the perseverance of families and the collaborative work of judges, attorneys, caseworkers, service providers, and community partners. She also highlighted the importance of supporting families through difficult challenges and recognizing their successes.
Justice Kimberly A. Thomas, the Court’s child welfare liaison, emphasized the role of courts in helping families heal and thrive.
“The message I hope everyone takes away from today’s event is that courts can and should be places of support, healing, and opportunity,” Justice Thomas said. “Family reunification and preservation represent some of the most meaningful work happening within our justice system.”
The program featured remarks from Timothy Click, interim senior deputy director, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Children’s Services Administration; and Janet Reynolds Snyder, president and CEO, the Michigan Federation for Children and Families. Both highlighted the importance of collaboration among courts, child welfare agencies, service providers, and families in achieving successful outcomes for children.
The event concluded with the presentation of the 2026 Guy Thompson Awards for Child Welfare Excellence, recognizing outstanding professionals whose work strengthens families and improves outcomes for children across Michigan. Honorees included:
• Cheryl Marks, Bethany Christian Services – Family Preservation Case Manager Achievement Award
• Morgan Gould, Adoption Option, Inc. – Family Reunification Case Manager Achievement Award
• Cortney Sanders, Wellspring Lutheran Services – Champion for Family Preservation and Reunification Award
• Erin Douglass, Orchards Children’s Services – Champion for Youth in Care Award
Named in honor of the late Guy Thompson, a pioneer in family preservation efforts within MDHHS, the awards recognize individuals whose dedication and leadership help children remain safely connected to their families and communities.
Michigan Family Reunification and Preservation Day is part of the American Bar Association’s Family Unification Month, which is observed annually in June to recognize the importance of preserving and strengthening families and supporting the safe reunification of children with their parents whenever possible.
A significant addition to this year’s event was the expansion of its focus to recognize not only family reunification, but also family preservation. To reflect this broader commitment, the Michigan Supreme Court renamed the event the 2026 Michigan Family Reunification and Preservation Day and introduced a new event logo highlighting both goals. The expanded program recognizes that helping children safely remain with their families whenever possible is just as important as supporting reunification when children have entered foster care. In keeping with this enhanced focus, organizers also added a fourth Guy Thompson Award for Child Welfare Excellence, the Family Preservation Case Manager Achievement Award, recognizing outstanding professionals whose work helps strengthen families and prevent unnecessary family separation.
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