Families, court officials, and child welfare professionals gathered at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center yesterday for the 7th Annual Michigan Reunification Day, celebrating the efforts of parents reuniting with their children in foster care. The event featured Michigan Supreme Court Justices Megan K. Cavanagh and Kyra H. Bolden, who serve as co-liaisons on child welfare matters, as well as retired Justice Maura D. Corrigan, who formerly served as director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
“Observing the remarkable transformations in children and families through our reunification programs has been a true highlight of my work in the judiciary,” said Justice Cavanagh. “Reuniting families is the pinnacle of court-community engagement, as our judiciary actively contributes to making families whole once again.”
Justice Bolden added, “Today's event is a special occasion where we honor the reunification of children with their biological families and recognize the dedication of the professionals who work tirelessly to protect these children and ensure their safe return.”
The celebration included Michigan child welfare stakeholders such as Demetrius Starling, Senior Deputy Director of MDHHS Children’s Services Administration; Janet Reynolds Snyder, executive director of Michigan Federation for Children and Families; and Lynette Wright, director of Wayne County DHHS Children’s Services.
Starling emphasized MDHHS’s commitment to keeping children safe and families together. He shared that in 2023 over 5,500 children exited foster care, with nearly half reunified with their families and approximately one-third adopted. He also highlighted the successful reunification of over 2,000 children with their families in the past year and ongoing efforts to enhance safe reunification practices across Michigan.
Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard and judges from the 3rd Circuit Court shared inspiring stories of resilience and reunification from local families: Interim Presiding Judge Sheila Ann Gibson, Civil Division; Judge Karen Y. Braxton, Family-Juvenile Division; Judge Christopher D. Dingell, Family-Juvenile Division; Judge Cylenthia LaToye Miller, Family-Juvenile Division; and Judge Frank S. Szymanski, Family-Juvenile Division.
The event concluded with the presentation of the MDHHS Guy Thompson Awards recognizing child welfare professionals for outstanding commitment and service. Nancy Pfeifer received the Guy Thompson Champion for Reunification Award for her role as Director of the Family Preservation Program at Professional Counseling Centers. Leila Sanders was awarded the Guy Thompson Worker Achievement Award for her work as Parent Partner at Black Family Development Inc., while Brittney Barros received the inaugural Champion for Youth in Care Award.
Michigan Reunification Day is part of the American Bar Association's National Reunification Month celebrated in June. It underscores courts' and community partners' critical role in strengthening families.
For more information and event photos, visit the Michigan Reunification Day web page.
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