Foster Care has always been a temporary solution. It exists to provide a secure, loving environment where children can live while their parents/caregivers sort things out and make their home a healthy place for their kids. Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, reunification is not possible. Sometimes getting kids back home is untidy and difficult.
Nevertheless, our goal is always to return children safely to their families.
Every June, National Family Reunification Month reminds us of that goal.
Reunification Month serves as a reminder of what Saint Francis Ministries works toward every single day, appreciating and supporting the families who have put in the hard work to bring their children home. It celebrates the families who have overcome challenges to safely reunify with their children after being separated by the child welfare system. It also honors the foster parents, caseworkers, and legal advocates who support them.
That hard work looks different for every family. Whether parents face challenges related to financial hardship, mental health concerns, substance abuse, or other circumstances, Saint Francis is there to offer support because the goal is always to keep families together and ensure the well-being and security of the children. Saint Francis workers walk alongside families every step of the way, providing individualized resources and guidance to make reunification possible.
Simply put, we believe that strong families make children’s lives better. Our evidence-based prevention programs, such as Family Center Treatment®, Family Check Up®, and Texas Home Visiting, help families heal and overcome challenges so their children don’t have to enter care in the first place. Learn more about them here.
Over eight decades, Saint Francis Ministries has remained committed to bringing healing and hope to children and families. This June, we celebrate every family that fought to find their way back to each other and recommit to making sure no family has to walk that road alone.
