By Jean Lawrence, Intake Manager/Juvenile Register, Berrien County Circuit Court
During the pandemic, the Berrien County Circuit Court found
an innovative and safe way to keep celebrating our reunified families involved
in child protective proceedings. Our
Reunification Gift Basket Delivery program honored our reunified families in a
fun and personal way.
Examples of items awarded to reunified families through the Reunification Gift Basket program.
We implemented the Reunification Gift Basket program in
collaboration with the Berrien County Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS) and the Blue Roof Church, and with the leadership and encouragement of
Judge Mayfield and Judge Berger. When a
family is successfully reunified during their Child Protective Proceedings, the
jurist lets DHHS know, and our two friendly DHHS workers, Emily McCoy and Megan
Klitchman, leap into action, filling a personalized gift basket with
age-appropriate toys, DVDs, blankets, and other fun items, which they deliver
to the family.
In addition, the family is given information about the Blue
Roof Church Finish the Mission Outreach program. This parental support program starts by
filling the family’s home with free groceries.
After assessing the family’s situation, the program provides
supplemental assistance, such as counseling, as well as recommending the family
to other community resources. The
program has a team of volunteers available to help families in emergency
situations. Interested families are
referred to the Blue Roof Church Outreach Director, Patricia Allen.
Reunified families excitedly dive into their gift baskets.
Photos shared with consent from the families.
The families have been very appreciative of these efforts. While we have missed seeing everyone in
person for our annual event, the gift baskets have provided a more immediate
recognition of families’ accomplishments to achieve reunification. The support from the Blue Roof Church helps
our families continue to be successful.
