Parents seeking reunification after foster care must meet state requirements and follow specific steps. The process ensures a safe transition from foster care, but without guidance, the steps to reunify can overwhelm some parents. This is especially true for parents with few resources or little support. Our partner, Restore Hope, provides that guidance and support through their 100 Families Initiative. The program uses a software called Hope Hub to help states coordinate the existing community resources and service providers, offering a comprehensive support plan to parents throughout their reunification journey. For fathers like Albert, it made the difference between living in crisis and reunification with his children after foster care.
Albert Seeks Reunification After Foster Care
For several years, Albert struggled with substance abuse and couldn’t maintain a healthy environment for his three children. As the conditions within their home deteriorated, Albert’s children were removed and placed in foster care. Heartbroken, he knew becoming the father his children needed mattered more to him than anything else. He immediately started working toward reunification, but quickly found out that the process was fraught with challenges. In addition to outstanding fines, Albert had no stable housing, no driver’s license, and no form of transportation. He also lacked the parenting tools and support necessary to meet the requirements laid out in his case plan. Yet, despite the overwhelming obstacles, Albert chose to fight for his children.
A Community Connected by 100 Families
Albert sought help from the 100 Families Initiative, where he was paired with a dedicated family advocate and a web of community partners. Thanks to the Hope Hub software, several organizations worked together to help Albert on his journey to reunification after foster care. A local church gave Albert a bicycle so he could commute to work. They also provided beds for each of his children, helping him prepare a clean and comfortable home.
Several other local organizations and care teams stepped in to help. Through efforts united by 100 Families, Albert received: parenting classes that helped him grow into a more confident father; Christmas presents for his children; clothes for the whole family; and a space for supervised visitations to keep Albert connected with his kids. Piece by piece, Albert began to reclaim his life.
It was a long journey, but Albert’s commitment paid off. In March 2025, Albert accomplished what had felt out of reach 18 months ago. Albert achieved sobriety and paid off his fines. He also secured a driver’s license, a vehicle, and a clean, safe home.
Why Advocate for Reunification After Foster Care?
Reunification after foster care is possible, and it’s also the ideal outcome. Children experience less trauma, benefit from long-lasting relationships, and often are the first to break generational cycles. Yet many families in crisis are left to navigate the system alone. For Others partners with organizations like Restore Hope to create a Well-Being Support Ecosystem, in which the 100 Families initiative plays a key role. Just as families struggle to escape crisis alone, so too do agencies and organizations struggle to address the crisis in its entirety. Together, however, we can support families and support each other as we all work to end the child welfare crisis comprehensively.
Reunification after foster care is just one part of ending the crisis. Read more about the Well-Being Support Ecosystem’s collective approach below!
