Many children in foster care and their parents dream of the day that they are reunited. However, dreaming is not the way to make this happen. It takes time, commitment, and hard work to get custody of your child renewed. If you are a parent who has been separated from your child or children, there are some things you should know before your reunification process begins.
Understanding the Importance of Reunification
It is estimated that about half of all foster children are reunited with their biological families. Reunification is generally considered in most cases to be the best option for minors placed in foster care. Foster care is considered temporary, and reunification with their family in the hopes of creating a loving, stable environment.
Most children feel more secure and safe with their biological family, regardless of the circumstances that placed them in the foster care system. However, just because there is a biological connection, the welfare of the child is the most important, so parents are often asked to provide proof of changes to the home that will provide a safe and stable environment.
Reunification can also provide a more familiar environment. This is not just in the home, but in their neighborhood, within their religious or cultural comfort zones, or sometimes within their spoken language.
Key Components of the Reunification Process
There are several tasks that must be completed for parents to be reunified with their foster child. Parents will need to work with the courts on a case plan that outlines the tasks that need to be completed to ensure timely reunification. Some of the court requirements may include:
- A stable, safe home environment
- Steady employment
- Drug/alcohol testing
- Adherence to visitation schedules
Additionally, open lines of communication must be maintained. This includes the child, parents, foster parents, social workers and any other court-order professionals. If you are a parent, expect reunification to be a lengthy process, so try to be patient. Use this time to ensure that your case plan is followed and that you are doing whatever it takes to provide a strong, stable support system for your child.
Role of Foster Parents
As a foster parent, your role is to help children maintain connections with their family according to the guidelines set forth by the court. To assist in the parent/child bond, the foster parent can share information about the child’s daily activities, offering insights that can aid in the reunification process. The foster parent offers temporary security whose main goal is to reunite the biological family.
Tips to Ensure a Smooth Reunification Process
To ensure a smooth reunification process, communication is key. Everyone on the reunification “team” should be kept in the loop so that expectations are the same throughout. Everyone is working toward the same goal: the best possible outcome for the child. Be patient and prepared to make the best reunification possible.
How long does a parent have to get their child back from foster care?
Reunification timelines differ from one case to another. It can depend on the case requirements and how quickly the parents can make the necessary changes as required by the court. Sometimes, that can happen in a few months. Other times, the process can take longer. Be patient and take advantage of the resources that are available.
Reducing Risks of Re-Entry
Re-entry into the foster care system can be avoided if the allocation of resources is used correctly. This includes time, effort, and financial support that are being used to stabilize and improve the home environment and the safety of the child. Education of the biological parents and adherence to their case plan can ultimately result in fewer cases of re-entry.
The Goal of Family Reunification
The ultimate goal of foster care is to reunite families once steps have been taken to ensure the safety and wellness of the foster child. If you would like more information on becoming a foster parent or assisting with a donation, contact us today.
Image Credit: Fiskez / Shutterstock