(Posted 2022 September)

 

On June 21, 2022, the Department of Family Services held its first annual Reunification Month Ceremony. In foster care the first goal is always family reunification, and staff always works with families toward that primary goal.

For these families, this event was a joyful celebration of their hard work overcoming challenges to be reunified with their children who were in foster care. 
 

Foster Care and Adoption Program Manager Kamonya Omatete led a team of staff in planning this intimate event which was hosted by Fairfax Community Church. The reunification celebration was held in collaboration with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Judge Gayl Carr and all seven of her colleagues on the bench were there to support the families.

In addition, many people who had surrounded the families including CASAs, GALs, foster parents, peer support specialists, social workers, and family friends came to the reunification ceremony to support the four families who were recognized.

This event was open to any families reunified between July 1, 2021-May 30, 2022. Though not all families were able to attend, the families who took part in the emotional event appreciated the warm, caring support. 

DFS Director Michael Becketts gave the opening remarks, and Chauncey Strong with Strong Training and Consulting provided the keynote which focused on how Reunification Month got started and why it’s important to celebrate. 

After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed a reception with cake and refreshments provided by Fairfax Community Church. In addition, each family received a lovely gift basket filled with items such as:

• Gift cards for parents.  
• Park passes from the Park Authority, a local trampoline park, Chuck E Cheese, and Walmart.
• Personalized games and activities the families can do together. 

“On behalf of DFS, I would like to thank Fairfax Community Church for hosting this beautiful event, as well as the Hanger Youth who helped with set up, decorating, and much more,” said Omatete. “I would also like to give a shout out to the planning team, Morgan Parker, Tamara Tanner, Giovonna Perry Ruffner and Namisha Khatri, who helped make this event a success.” 

DFS is so grateful for the way the community generously supported these families and their successes. The department looks forward to continuing this tradition each year as part of National Reunification Month.

 

          

 

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This article posting is part of the Foster Family News monthly newsletter designed to keep foster parents informed about all the new and notable happenings in Fairfax County.

Learn about what the Foster Care and Adoption program has planned for foster families - stay on top of trends, participate in trainings and learn about policy changes.

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