Reunification process – what you need to know

In the fostering system, reunification refers to foster children leaving their foster homes and going back to their biological families. At Beacon Fostering, we not only ensure that children are raised in loving foster homes, but also that they are successfully reunited with their birth families. Here are some important things to know about the process and role you can play when your charge is returning to their family.

Children likely to undergo reunification

Children who enter the foster system due to family dysfunction, parental illness, incarceration or neglect often stay with their foster carers on a temporary basis. During this time, social workers and the authorities work on a reunification plan for the child and their family of origin, supporting both parties.

Parental and familial contact

As a foster carer, building a relationship with the child’s family is important. You can send them updates of their achievements and school life. Ensure that you speak about the family and their parents positively to ensure strong bonds between the child and family and learn about any activities or traditions that they carried out with their relatives. Engaging in these endeavours gives the child the best of both worlds – carrying out endeavours associated with their family of origin while being in a safe and caring environment.

Monitoring reunification

The child’s social worker will continue to monitor the child’s wellbeing when they have been reunited with their birth family, ensuring that their parents are fulfilling their responsibilities in accordance with their care plan and agreed outcomes. Although it can be difficult to see a foster child leave, we at Beacon Fostering will be there to provide support, and the child may even choose to keep in contact with you.