(Posted 2025 August)
When children are placed in foster care, the primary goal is to reunify them with their birth families as soon as it is safe to do so. During National Family Unification Month in June, it is a time to honor and celebrate the families who have worked to improve themselves and progressed to the point of reunification with their children.
A Powerful Show of Community Support
This year, the Fairfax County Department of Family Services and Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court hosted the Fourth Annual Reunification Celebration on June 12, 2025, at Fairfax Community Church. The event celebrated four families that were reunified between June 1, 2024-May 31, 2025.
The room was packed with community supporters including Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judges, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), Assistant County Attorneys, Guardians Ad Litem (GALs), DFS Children, Youth and Families Division staff, and relatives and friends of the families being honored.
In addition to the people gathered, large baskets lined the wall with gifts for the children and parents to take home and enjoy making memories together.
A Moving and Inspirational Program
DFS Deputy Director Alycia Blackwell gave the welcoming remarks and set the stage for a wonderful time of reflection and celebration. The talented teenagers in the Magic Hand Orchestra with Harmony Road Music & Arts School provided a masterful musical performance. Guests were treated to a delicious meal and an assortment of desserts donated by Cake4Kids.
Several speakers shared remarks on their unique perspectives on reunification including retired Honorable Judge Gayl Carr and Honorable Judge Maha Abejuela. A set of siblings, ages 16 and 18, whose family moved from foster care to family reunification spoke powerfully about their experience with foster care and reunification.
Gratitude for the Journey
The older sibling explained that when she entered care at 16 years old “Everything felt uncertain. I didn’t understand the system, and honestly, I was scared. But in the middle of all that fear and confusion, I was blessed with someone who truly cared—someone who didn’t just do their job, but went above and beyond for me. I was blessed with Giovonna Perry Ruffner.”
She expressed gratitude for receiving so much support on her journey from caring people like her foster care worker, her “wonderful foster parents… who is here today and has always been there for us,” and “Judge Carr for always having our back, supporting us, and trusting us throughout this journey.”
This young woman said it best, “Coming back home was one of the hardest battles. We were scared. We didn’t know where to start or even what to say. But even then, I was lucky. My sister and I were blessed with an amazing team that stood by us every step of the way. They made sure that our reunification with our family was not only possible—but positive. They made the process smooth. They always made sure we were both comfortable. We were blessed with an amazing team of people who didn’t just do their jobs, but made us feel seen and supported.
“Reunification isn’t always easy. It takes a lot of work, trust, and healing. But having the right people around us made all the difference.
“There are so many kids out there who are afraid to speak up, afraid of the unknown. And that’s why people like Giovonna—and the entire team who helped us—mean everything. They make a real difference. They’re not just workers. They’re protectors. They’re the reason reunification stories like mine are even possible.”
Acknowledgments
Thank you to everyone behind the scenes who made this event possible including the planning committee members, Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judge Maha Abejuela, and DFS staff Aleta Carter, Namisha Khatri, Kamonya Omatete, and Tamara Tanner. Thank you to Fairfax Community Church for hosting the event, decorating the space and setting up, McLean Bible Church for providing large gifts for the families, and all the speakers, sponsors, and donors who contributed to a successful event.
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.
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