Reunification fulfills a child’s right to live with family 

A message from DFCS Director Tom Rawlings:

The Circle of Intervention and Support (CIAS) has a whole new meaning under COVID-19. The global pandemic drastically limits physical interaction — placing distance between vulnerable individuals and those who can help them. Not surprisingly, people within extended families, communities and state organizations have found creative ways to maintain strong social connections to ensure the health and safety of vulnerable children.  

Despite the physical separation necessitated by COVID-19, the CIAS remains committed to social connection — leveraging virtual platforms, phone calls and in-person visits (from 6 feet away) to support children and families in crisis. In some instances, these connections helped families find resources to manage stress, while in others it prevented children from experiencing abuse. In either case, the CIAS keeps children with families they know and places they love. 

Children thrive in their own communities, so when parents are unable to care for children, it is important for the CIAS to step in. Extended families and local communities should support children whenever possible. When they cannot, we at DFCS are here to provide safe family structures for children in need. Our goal is to ensure that formal intervention is not only rare, but customized to fit the needs of children.  

DFCS foster care case managers are family repair experts. They determine whether families can be supported and repaired or if other permanency options are more appropriate. During the COVID-19 health crisis, DFCS foster care case managers have identified innovative solutions to continue their essential work. They facilitated family visits, interviews and adoptions virtually, while working with their counterparts across the state to serve vulnerable children in other capacities. Their efforts during this crisis demonstrate what intervention and support are all about — doing what is needed to guarantee that every child’s right to family is respected and fulfilled. 

We celebrate the work of parents, foster parents and service providers who work to give safe and loving homes to vulnerable children. Doing so takes courage, perseverance and grit. I couldn’t be more appreciative of the compassionate professionals who make miracles happen in times of crisis — by reuniting children with their families.