We believe in resiliency, strength of families

June is the month dedicated to celebrating the reunification of families in the juvenile court and foster care system and to recognize our ongoing efforts to keep families together.

When children are removed from their parental home, they are usually placed with relatives or in foster care homes so their parents can actively participate in services and treatment plans to bring their family back together.

Reunification means parents have had the opportunity to get the help they need to care for their child and lead productive lives.

That paves the way for futures in which children and their parents can thrive.

Our celebration this month is three-fold:

1.) To celebrate the accomplishments and hard work of families who overcame difficulties to reunify with their children.

2.) To recognize the vital role that other family members, social workers, foster parents, service providers, attorneys, courts, etc., play in helping to reunify, strengthen, and support families.

3.) To inspire other parents that it is possible to confront and resolve the issues that led to their separation and to reunify with their children.

Although reunification days are a joyous occasion, the path to reunification takes work, commitment, and investment of time and resources not only by the parents but also by family members, social workers, foster parents, service providers, attorneys, courts, and the community.

The 26th Judicial Circuit Court, comprised of Alpena and Montmorency counties, wants to recognize all the people and their ongoing efforts in our community that help families stay together.

When everyone works together toward the common goal of reunification, they accomplish success, build lasting relationships, and demonstrate the highest level of public service to their community.

We have had the opportunity to celebrate many successful family reunifications in our community and are committed to and will continue to encourage families to reunify and thrive!

Lora Greene is the presiding judge of the Montmorency County Family Division of the 26th Circuit Court.