WHY REUNIFICATION MATTERS

Reunification as a Preferred Permanency Outcome 

The majority of child welfare laws in the U.S. prioritize family reunification as the ideal permanency plan. Research shows children generally fare better emotionally and developmentally when they reconnect with their families of origin, rather than remaining in foster care or being placed with other caregivers. Early engagement in reunification processes supports resilience, identity, and overall well-being of children and youth.

Improved Likelihood of Reunification Through Parental Engagement 

A meta-analysis of eight studies involving nearly 3,000 families found that goal-oriented, family-centered interventions significantly increased parental engagement compared to standard services.

Factors Influencing Stability of Reunification 

Longitudinal research on young children ages 0–5 from over 53,000 cases revealed that while reunification is achievable, up to one-third of children re-enter foster care, often due to ongoing issues like poverty or parental substance use. This underscores the importance of post-reunification supports and monitoring. 

Link Between Professional Collaboration and Reunification 

A University of Connecticut study found that frequent interprofessional communication—such as between caseworkers, therapists, and guardians ad litem—increased the likelihood of timely reunification within 12 months. When all stakeholders exchange critical information, reunification is more effective and safer.

Parent Partner Programs 

This promising model involves working with parents who have lived child welfare experience (“Parent Partners”). Families receiving peer-led support have significantly higher reunification rates than those receiving agency-based services alone.

Essential Support Services 

Consistent with best practices, reunification is more sustainable when families receive services such as: parent coaching, therapy, educational support for children, housing assistance, and even respite care. Continued engagement post-reunification is critical to help families navigate stress and stabilize gains. 

✅ Summary: Why We Focus on Reunification 

• Emotional & developmental outcomes improve when children reunite with family of origin.

• Targeted interventions enhance parent engagement and reunification success 

• Professional collaboration accelerates and supports safe reunification 

• Peer-led, trauma-informed programs may boost reunification rates 

• Continued post-reunification support reduces re-entry risk 

🎯 Implications for Practice

Develop structured, goal-driven parent engagement interventions, including peer support models and strength-based coaching.

Foster interdisciplinary collaboration among agencies, therapists, legal advocates, and child welfare workers to share information crucial to speedy and safe reunification.

Ensure post-reunification follow-up and wraparound supports to help families navigate stress, trauma, and system involvement—even after children return home.

Monitor and evaluate reunification outcomes beyond case closure to ensure safety and stability over time.