Family reunification helps parents piece things back together

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Foster care is an important part of helping children find loving and safe homes, but before that happens, the goal is to try to get kids back with their parents or family members.

Times where Connie Hernandez could cuddle and comfort her children were not possible a couple of years ago when the state of Arizona said she was not fit to be a parent. Today, Hernandez is with her kids, providing for them and thinking about their futures.

“Giving up wasn’t an option for me,” she said. “Because my children don’t have anyone, just me.”

Hernandez had mental health struggles, was abusing drugs and was in a relationship that meant disaster for children.

“I was also in a domestic violence situation. Both of us were being aggressive to each other,” Hernandez shared.

This is a tragic formula for kids who end up in foster care for many years. However, the goal is for parents to turn things around and focus on family reunification.

Judge Lori Bustamante is the presiding judge for Maricopa County’s juvenile court. She said family reunification is the best option for the child’s long-term success.

“They want to be with their parents. They want to be with their biological families,” Bustamante said.

The data backs that up.

In many cases, the longer a child is in foster care, the higher the rate of incarceration and substance abuse, according to studies from the federal government.

Bustamante said the reunification process is not easy, and parents need to put in the work. Check-ins, counseling and classes are all part of the program.

“In some cases, such as substance abuse, they would engage in substance abuse testing, and treatment and any sort of counseling,” she said.

Bustamante said it does not work in every case, but when it does, it is a great day for the child and parent.

“It is so important that they know the community is behind them and that we support them and are excited for them to continue their lives with one another,” she said.

Hernandez said she was scared to get her kids back, worried she would mess up again. But things have been going well, and she is not looking back, only ahead.

“I just hope I keep growing as a human being,” she said. “And that I can teach my children good from wrong. And be a good example for them.”

To learn more about family reunification through the Arizona Department of Child Safety, click/tap here.

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