June 2012
A monthly publication for Washington state foster and adoptive families and relative caregivers. WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, CHILDREN’S ADMINISTR ATION
JUNE: National Reunification Month There is beauty in restoration
Nurturing families come in many forms, and children may be raised by a father and mother, a single father, two fathers, a step father, a grandfather, or caring guardian. – President Barack Obama, Proclaiming June 17, 2012 Father’s Day
When children are removed from their birth homes because they are no longer safe there, the first goal of Children’s Administration is to safely reunify the family. To support that goal, the American Bar Association has proclaimed June as National Reunification Month. This month is designated as a time to remember the importance of family bonds and the crucial work of trying to reconnect and strengthen those bonds when they are severed. In the words of one foster parent who helped transition two children back into their birth family, “There is beauty in restoration.” This month we celebrate Father’s Day on June 17th. The Caregiver Connection brings a special focus honoring fathers and the men in our lives who have helped shape the lives of children in their care. Thank you to all fathers, grandfathers, uncles and brothers for being a strong, loving and positive influence on our children! Fathers play a special role in the life of their family, and they deserve special recognition in the work of family reunification. Children’s Administration is working to build bridges with fathers as a key element to promoting healthy, safe families for children. This month’s Caregiver Connection features an interview with Jeremiah Donier of Spokane, Mr. Donier and his wife Helen had a child removed from their home. They worked hard to get their life to a place where the child could be safely returned. They are not only heroes to their children for making the effort to reunify, but also have helped inspire the community and other parents to succeed. Since 2009, Jeremiah has participated in several events with Catalyst for Kids. He was also a member of the Washington State’s Child and Family Services Review team. In 2011, he was presented with an Honorary Father of Year award at the 3rd Annual Engaging Fatherhood Conference in Spokane. You will find their story, in his words, on page 3. This month’s Caregiver Connection also includes the list of all winning entries from the Voices of Children contest. This contest is sponsored by the Family Education and Support Services of Thurston, Lewis and Mason County for children and youth living in relative care. One of the winning entries, “Why My Grandpa Is My Inspiration,” written by Angel W. is on page 5. But first, a recap of a glorious day at Safeco Field.